Kern won't apologize

By Audrey Esther, News9.com InSite Team

An Oklahoma lawmaker refused to apologize Monday for her anti-gay comments that sparked a heated debate in cyberspace after they were posted on YouTube.

Complete Coverage Exclusive interview YouTube Video Kern won't apologize OSBI probes death threats

Since Friday, State Rep. Sally Kern has received thousands of  e-mails -- some demanding her resignation -- while others threatened her life.

"I have never spoken in hate against them -- never would, never will," Kern said, "Nor will I ever apologize for anything I said."

 Since her comments were made public through a YouTube video, Kern has received thousands of emails. Many are too graphic to air.

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation officials said Tuesday they're investigating some of the e-mails as death threats. Read more in "OSBI probes death threats."

Even though Kern has received life-threatening messages she said she is willing to take the issue as far as it goes or until her constituents decide otherwise.

"If it costs me my seat that's OK, that's OK," she said. "I'm going to stand up for what is right."

Fellow lawmaker Al McAffrey, the state's only openly gay representative, also has been fielding e-mails and phone calls about the issue.

"I saw her in the hallway and I gave her a hug and I said it looks like you've had a hard weekend," said McAffrey, who was angered and saddened by Kern's remarks.

"I resent the fact that she said we're corrupting the minds of children," McAffrey said.

The Topix section on News9.com contains hundreds of responses, some of which claim one of Kern's sons is a homosexual. When asked to comment, Kern replied, "I don't think so . . . he's never said that to his father, he's never said that to his brother. You need to ask him that."

News9.com's attempts to contact Kern's son were unsuccessful.