A close reading of Gov. Bentley's comments reveal he was trying to strike a balance. He failed, and his subsequent apology didn't do much better. He offered the "if/then" apology, i.e. if his comments offended anybody, then he is sorry.
As a Hindu American, despite the fact that I find your remarks repulsive and intolerant, I recognize that the same Divine that dwells in me, dwells in you. For that reason, we are family.