Lawmaker Won't Apologize For Anti-Gay Remarks

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

News On 6 reporter Audrey Esther reports since Friday, State Rep. Sally Kern has received thousands of emails, 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 mention in this story.

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 state lawmaker, State Rep. Al McAffrey, the state's only openly gay representative, also has been fielding emails 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. 

Kern's refusal to apologize has sparked outrage from some Oklahomans. Rob Howard is with the Cimarron Alliance Foundation, an Oklahoma 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."

Click here for Newson6.com for extended coverage of this story.