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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.
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“[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.
