Kevin Johnson, the former Hall of Fame NBA All Star and current mayoral candidate for the City of Sacramento, has been slandered as unqualified for the job recently on the basis of his religious views.
The accusations came after a recent televised forum that was held for all the mayoral candidates.
During the closing “yes” or “no” part of the forum, Johnson, a self professing “born-again Christian,” indicated he objects same-sex “marriage.” The statement earned him instant derision by pro-gay rights supporters.
"My religion does not advocate same-sex ‘marriage,’” Johnson said plainly of his views in a statement.
Although Johnson added that while he was opposed to same-sex “marriage,” he would support civil unions, equal benefits, and guarantee the rights of all city residents, pro-gay activists were in a fury over Johnson’s response.
Gretchen Bender, an openly lesbian member of the county Board of Education, criticized Johnson’s insistence that marriage was “between a man and a woman” in a press conference with six other lesbians. Bender said that Johnson’s religious views and position on same-sex “marriage” made him unqualified – a claim that has since been reiterated by others.
“[H]e is acting on religious grounds, and he is not ready to lead this city,” she said according to the Sacramento Bee.
Bender also brushed off Johnson’s insistence that he does not tolerate discrimination or harrassment of any kind.
"He's giving a political answer to a moral question," she said.
Johnson, who played for 12 seasons in the NBA and is the only player in NBA history to have averaged at least 20 points, 10 assists, a 0.500 field goal percentage, and 2 steals in any single season, has emerged as one of the biggest challengers against incumbent Heather Fargo in the race to become the next Sacramento mayor.
Since his retirement in 1998, Johnson has worked closely with non-profit organizations in running urban renewal projects and providing opportunities for underprivileged and inner-city youth.
The Sacramento mayoral race will be held June 3.
Comments
crc. I am totally opposed to the sin of homosexuality as well as the so-called Gay Agenda but what do you mean by outlawing homosexuality do you mean that we arrest anyone who either claims to be or "acts" homosexual or do we arrest anyone having sexual encounters with someone of the same sex. How would you enforce such a law for instance would the government put cameras in every bedroom. Plus you seem to equate someone being homosexual as automatically an evil person, do you really believe that or was your input just a way to get this discussion stepped up a notch. But please what ever you do, don't give the idea that this is the appropriate response to the homosexual or homosexuality issue because it is not. I know several homosexuals as well as I probably know some people who are but I don't know, they are as normal as I am and are not evil. I don't agree with their lifestyle, but I don't hate them for it. My prayer for them is that God will and they will allow Him to release them from their homosexual lifestyle and even more importantly that they will come to know Him personally through His Son, Jesus Christ, that to me is the only correct Christian response to those struggling with this sin in their lives.
It is the governments job to enforce morality and God has established government, therefore government should outlaw homosexuality. Everybody knew homo's were evil in the early days of this country but we don't know now because we have all become too liberal because we were taught by liberal teachers and by the liberal people in government that some people can't help it (which is another lie). Some murders can't help it that they are murders either but I don't think we are going to legalize that anytime soon and yes I equate murders with homosexuals because both will spend eternity in the lake of fire just like the Bible says.
Slowly but surely, the biblical worldview continues to be marginalized in the public square. A simple opinion stating that marriage is between one man and one woman inevitably invites an avalanche of hate and intolerance by pro-homosexual rights activists. Let's keep proclaiming the Truth in Love by speaking out and exercising our free speech rights in the public arena. We will not be silenced! We will not whisper! We will not be afraid!
Can some one tell me the difference between same-sex marriages and same-sex unions since Kevin Johnson is opposed to one but okay with the other?
Miss Bender,
If you have problems with the stand Kevin Johnson is taking, what are you going to say to Jesus when judgement comes?
I think what is silliest of all is that a Mayor does not have an impact on whether Same-sex marriage is legal or illegal.
This would be like saying he is unqualified for the elected position of dog-catcher because he believes same-sex marriage is wrong.
This is what we call news for the sake of news, this pro-gay groups will use any attempt they can to make headlines, and make themselves into victims.
Then, in the process, make a victim out of man who has no power to allow or deny same-sex marriage.
Let me get this straight - a candidate is being labeled "unqualified" because he is taking a moral stand on an issue. And we wonder why our country is in the mess it's in right now.