May 9, 2008 3:17 pm US/Pacific
Johnson's Opposition To Gay Marriage Stirs Anger
SACRAMENTO (AP) ―
Sacramento mayoral candidate Kevin Johnson upset local gay and lesbian leaders after saying he believes marriage is between a man and a woman.
The former NBA star made the statement in response to a question during a candidate debate this week.
Gretchen Bender, vice president of the Sacramento County Board of Education, says Johnson's statement shows that he is not ready to lead the city.
Bender and a half-dozen other gay and lesbian leaders held a news conference to express their concern about the former Phoenix Suns star.
Johnson issued a statement saying he supports civil unions and equal benefits for same-sex couples. But he added that his religion does not advocate same-sex marriage.
Mayor Heather Fargo and the five other candidates support gay marriage.
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