Coming off of his three stunning primary and caucus victories earlier this week, Rick Santorum made a controversial statement about women in the armed forces on Thursday that could slow his surging momentum. His opposition to women in increased combat roles could highlight the disparity between the staunch social conservative and more moderate voters.

On Thursday, the Pentagon officially opened up thousands of positions close to the front lines to women, authorizing them to work closer to combat than ever before. (In reality, many women have been filing these roles for years in the US’s recent conflicts.)

In reference to this decision, CNN’s John King asked Santorum whether broadening roles for women in combat was a “good idea or bad idea”.

Santorum responded:

“I think that could be a very compromising situation, where people naturally may do things that may not be in the interest of the mission because of other types of emotions that are involved. It already happens, of course, with the camaraderie of men in combat, but I think it would be even more unique if women were in combat.”

The next day, Santorum clarified that he was in fact referring to men’s emotions, saying they might feel more protective of women. He also expressed concern that women would not be able to match the physical capabilities of men, for example, carrying a wounded soldier if necessary.

The Washington Post put Santorum’s statement in context with other quotes from him about the role of women in society. He has spoken in support of both women working outside the home, and respecting stay-at-home mothers. But Santorum also blamed “radical feminism” for several societal ills, including “making the pitch that justice demands that men and women be given an equal opportunity to make it to the top in the workplace.”

What do you think? Will Santorum have a “woman problem?” Do you have to be a “radical feminist” to support equal opportunity in the workplace?

[via The Atlantic Wire; image via Military.com]

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