Additional information:  » Behind Giuliani's pro-choice gamble Read article from Time magazine

HOUSTON — In a shift of tactics, Republican presidential contender Rudolph Giuliani acknowledged his liberal views Friday, calling a woman's right to choose an abortion one of his "core beliefs."

After a week of criticism for making contradictory comments about abortion, Giuliani also said he backs gay domestic partnerships that aren't marriage and the right of states to restrict guns.

Meanwhile, in an article titled "Behind Giuliani's Pro-Choice Gamble," found at www.Time.com, author David Von Drehle states that "Giuliani's decision to be more forthright about his pro-choice stance on abortion may be the boldest step of the Presidential campaign so far. And while it's certainly a gamble, because it will likely inflame the social-issue conservatives who form a key minority in the Republican party, it's far from reckless. On the contrary, it is the first tangible sign that a candidate did some hard thinking about the radically changed nature of this year's primary schedule and, in Giuliani's case, decided that the reign of social conservatives is coming to an end."

Giuliani, a New York Catholic who once considered the priesthood, chose to make his stand before a conservative, Protestant audience at Houston Baptist University in an appearance arranged just Wednesday.

His embrace of abortion, which dramatically sets him apart from his Republican rivals, represents a political gamble that his campaign felt he had to take since his liberal views as New York City mayor in the 1990s give him little room to maneuver.

"I believe abortion is wrong," he said. But out of respect for other people's fervent support of abortion, he said, "I would grant to women the right to make that choice."

Giuliani said his views have evolved, but those two "core beliefs" always have and always will guide him.

"It means I am open to considering ways to limit abortion," he said. "It means I'm open to seeking ways to reduce the number of abortions."

Specifically, he said he supports the 2003 federal law banning late-term abortions, which was recently upheld by the Supreme Court, and the Hyde Amendment that restricts federal funding for abortions.