Clay Aiken Steps Up for Gay Rights

American Idol star Clay Aiken, who came out in 2008, will use his celebrity to speak for gay rights in North Carolina, his native state, this weekend.

According to the Associated Press, Aiken will deliver a speech at the Human Rights Campaign gala in Raleigh, his hometown, this Saturday.

Still, some aspects of the appearance proved too controversial for Aiken.

"The 31-year-old Raleigh native, pop singer and 2003 American Idol runner-up says he wrote his own speech after remarks provided for him proved too political, including a slam aimed at former President George W. Bush," reports the AP.

Also among the special guests at the dinner is Family Ties actress Meredith Baxter, who came out in December.