10.23.07
Gay Group to Obama: Drop Singer From Tour
A gay rights group has urged Barack Obama to cut ties with a gospel singer who it says spreads false information about homosexuality being a choice.
Donnie McClurkin is among several gospel singers scheduled to raise money for the Illinois senator and Democratic presidential candidate at a concert in South Carolina this weekend.
McClurkin has drawn attention from gay rights activists for his views on homosexuality.
”I don’t believe that it is the intention of God,” McClurkin said Monday in a telephone interview. ”Sexuality, everything is a matter of choice.”
McClurkin said he does not believe in discriminating against homosexuals. ”What people do in their bedrooms and who they are as human beings are two different things,” he said.
In a statement, Obama said he believes gays and lesbians are ”our brothers and sisters” and should be afforded the same respect, dignity, and rights granted all other citizens.
”I have consistently spoken directly to African-American religious leaders about the need to overcome the homophobia that persists in some parts our community so that we can confront issues like HIV/AIDS and broaden the reach of equal rights in this country,” Obama said. ”I strongly believe that African-Americans and the LGBT community must stand together in the fight for equal rights. And so I strongly disagree with Reverend McClurkin’s views and will continue to fight for these rights as president of the United States to ensure that America is a country that spreads tolerance instead of division.”
The statement did not say whether McClurkin will still perform on the tour.
”We strongly urge Obama to part ways with this divisive preacher who is clearly singing a different tune than the stated message of the campaign,” Wayne Besen, executive director of Truth Wins Out, said in a statement.