U.S. Senator Robert P. “Bob” Casey, Jr. of Pennsylvania will deliver the keynote address at Saint Vincent College’s commencement ceremonies on May 9, 2009. Senator Casey in the past has favored overturning Roe v. Wade and opposed federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research. However, although Catholic, Casey has stated his support of federal funding for contraceptives. He has also supported the legalization of homosexual civil unions. “I do support same sex unions that would give gay couples all the rights, privileges and protections of marriage,” he said.

In March Casey publicly endorsed pro-abortion Barack Obama’s bid for the presidency. Senator Casey delivered a speech in support of Obama at the Democratic National Convention in August, citing the recent economic turmoil as reason enough to vote for a candidate that promised to enact the Freedom of Choice Act upon ascending to the White House. Source: Saint Vincent College, the DNC, and On the Issues