State Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, responded today to criticism of her controversial comments about homosexuality that were recently posted on the YouTube Web site.
Kern reportedly is receiving death threats since audio of the speech appeared on the Internet. Kern's comments have been mentioned online at www.perezhilton.com, the Huffington Post and www.advocate.com.
KERN'S COMMENTS
Through the Oklahoma House of Representatives Media Division, Kern issued the following statement:
"To put this simply, as a Christian I believe homosexuality is not moral. Obviously, you have the right as an American to choose that lifestyle, but I also have the right to express my views and my fellow Oklahomans have the right to debate these issues.
"In recent years homosexual activists have begun to aggressively promote their agenda through the political process, often providing substantial financing to candidates who agree with their views, including many running for state legislative races. National publications such as Time, The Atlantic and USA Today have noted that trend. That is their right, just as it is my right to voice opposition to their agenda, which I have been asked to do at several public forums in recent months. That's what democracy is all about. It appears some homosexual activists believe only one group is allowed a voice in this debate. I disagree.
"A vigorous debate on an issue is not 'hate speech' " it's free speech. I have made clear my opposition to the agenda of homosexual activists, but I have never endorsed or supported any hateful action targeting individuals on the other side of this debate and never will. The fact that many gay rights activists claim anyone opposing their agenda is engaging in 'hate speech' says more about them than me.
"Most Oklahomans are socially conservative and believe marriage is a sacred institution, the union of one man and one woman, and that the traditional family is worth protecting and preserving. When I campaigned for office, I promised my constituents to stand up for those values, and I do not apologize for keeping my word." "Gazette staff
View the YouTube video here
