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.
Nice.
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