Oklahomans respond to lawmaker's comments

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

Oklahomans have mixed reactions the day after a state legislator's anti-gay comments were posted on YouTube.

More than 20,000 people have viewed the video released Friday by the Washington-based Victory Fund. The video includes audio from a secretly recorded speech by Rep. Sally Kern (R-Oklahoma City) to a group of Republicans who invited her to discuss her views on the gay lifestyle. 

Complete Coverage Exclusive interview YouTube Video Kern won't apologize

"I honestly think it's the biggest threat that our nation has, even more so than terrorism," she said on the video.

In an exclusive NEWS 9 interview on Friday, Kern said she stands by her comments.

"What I'm saying, I believe in," she said.

As an American, Kern said she thinks gays and lesbians have the right to live how they want, but as a Christian, she said the lifestyle is immoral and she will not apologize for her beliefs.

Her refusal to apologize has sparked outrage from some Oklahomans.

Rob Howard is with the Cimarron Alliance Foundation, a locally based gay and lesbian organization.

"It's a terrible thing when somebody is in a leadership position, like a lawmaker, uses words like this," Howard said. "She thought nobody was listening so she thought it was OK."

On News9.com, readers have posted a record number of comments ranging from disgust to approval of Kern's speech.

Oklahoma's only openly-gay state lawmaker, Al McAffrey, is calling for  Kern to apologize

"I am not a terrorist and I am not polluting the minds of children and I am not aware of a gay agenda," McAffrey said. "I don't believe her statement reflects the attitude of most Oklahomans."