How was she treated disrespectfully? Kerry was wrong to use her as an example, sure. That was tacky. But in the view of many people, he was defending Mary. You would have to know Mary's take on the "born that way" issue to know if it was offensive to her or not. Still, he just gave the standard gay activist line. It is based on junk science and that is where the debate should really be right now, instead of discussing Mary. But I do not see it as an attack, nor will the general public, imo. I've been debating with these people for years now. That is a defense in their view, not an attack. And Kerry and Co. have a point when they say that no one was outraged (except me) when Edwards brought up Mary. So what's a liberal to think? In their view, Kerry was defending Mary, albeit for selfish political gain.
Oh? The public won't see this as an attack? Then why is Kerry trying to weasel out of it this morning in his newly issued statement?
He disrespected her by not respecting her right to privacy. He disrespected her by using her as a political tool. He disrespected her by presuming to speak on her behalf.
If you don't understand that, too bad. The majority of Americans heard it loud and clear.