Posted on 01/31/2006 7:43:58 PM PST by presidio9
From Brokeback to Brownback: Republican Sen. Sam Brownback, a potential presidential candidate, says he meant no offense to gays and lesbians when he used the word "fruits" in a recent interview with Rolling Stone. In a lengthy profile titled "God's Senator," the magazine quotes the Kansas Republican as criticizing countries like Sweden that allow civil unions between same-sex couples.
"You'll know them by their fruits," Brownback said, quoting a biblical passage from Matthew 7:19.
Rolling Stone writer Jeff Sharlet said in the story, appearing in the magazine's current issue, that Brownback appeared to be calling gay Swedes "fruits," a derogatory term for homosexuals.
After gay and lesbian advocacy groups denounced the comments last week, Brownback issued a statement yesterday saying his quote "was in no way referring to sexual orientation."
"While this biblical passage was pertinent to our overall conversation about faith and deeds, it apparently led the writer to believe I was making a joke," said Brownback, who is pushing a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage.
"I was not and would never do so with such a personal and sensitive issue," Brownback said. His explanation was greeted with skepticism by the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay rights organization.
"It's nice to know that Senator Brownback doesn't resort to name-calling from the 1970s, but unfortunately his anti-gay agenda continues to speak for itself," said spokesman Brad Luna.
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Paranoid and stupid is no way to go through life, son.
lol
ping
And also by their bare mid-riff's, cut-off's and unscuffed construction boots.
"Paranoid and stupid is no way to go through life, son."
Paranoid, stupid, and perverted is no way to go through life, fruits.
Of course the liberals don't know anything about Bible references.
After that they will go after 'banana lovers'
That made me laugh out loud.
In other words the reporter was ignorant of the quote.
"You are known by your fruits" means simply, you're known by your labor.
I purchased a chicken salad with fruit, but they did not say, "Thanks for shopping with us at chicken salad and apple."
If this makes no sense to you, it's late.
I love the way the headline says that the GOP politician is sparking the furor, when it is clear to the reader that the media is creating the furor out of nothing more than misreading and misrepresenting a statement made during an interview. The media is still wondering why circulation numbers continue to decline at daily newspapers, too.
I don't like straight fruits, nor gay.
LUV, LUV, LUV!!!!
Sounds like the rolling stone reporter is an idiot
Rude bastards.
I think if they're male you will know them by their capri pants.
But, but...Tim Kaine just told me about the part of the Bible where it advocates national health care and a living wage.
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