Candidate's Opposition to Gay Marriage Sparks Outrage  | News | Advocate.com

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May 13, 2008
Candidate's Opposition to Gay Marriage Sparks Outrage

A former NBA star running for Sacramento's mayoral seat caused a stir among local gays and lesbians after asserting that marriage should be limited to heterosexual couples. Kevin Johnson, who played for the Phoenix Suns, was responding to a question during a televised mayoral candidate debate on May 7.

The other six candidates said they favored same-sex marriages.

"My religion does not advocate same-sex marriage," Johnson said in a statement the following day, according to the Sacramento Bee. "However, I would never thrust my personal beliefs onto others, as I strongly believe that everyone is born equally and entitled to their own ideas and ideals."

Gretchen Bender, vice president of the County Board of Education, said Johnson's statement proves he is not capable of running the city, according to the article. Bender, who is the first out lesbian elected to public office in Sacramento, held a news conference with other LGBT activists and elected officials.

"It hit me like a brick," Bender said at a press conference, according to the Sacramento Bee. "I've been working with Kevin on this issue. But, based on that comment at the forum, I now think he is acting on religious grounds, and he is not ready to lead this city."

The election will take place June 3. (The Advocate)

Reader Comments

These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

  • Name: Michael S
    Date posted: 2008-05-13 3:30 PM
    Hometown: San Francisco

    Comment:

    Yeah, I don't see that in the article either.


  • Name: Steve D.
    Date posted: 2008-05-13 4:49 AM
    Hometown: Toledo, OH

    Comment:

    Where in the article is Johnson quoted as saying that marriage should be limited to heterosexual couples?


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