Derek McCoy, the executive director of
Maryland Marriage Alliance, has called backlash against comments that
gay people and their allies are “worthy of death” a distraction.
An October 19 panel sponsored by
Maryland Marriage Alliance included McCoy, Pastor Robert Anderson of
the Colonial Baptist Chuch in Randallstown, as well as two other
opponents of Question 6, the November 6 ballot question which asks
voters to uphold – or reject – a gay marriage law approved by
lawmakers.
Anderson suggested that supporters
would pay with their souls if they voted for Question 6.
“It is not fair to open up a backdoor
that will legalize prostitution. It is not fair to open up a
backdoor that will possibly legalize bestiality. It's not fair to
open up a backdoor that will possibly lead to polygamy. Once you
start messing with what God has established for us, we're opening up
a door to redefining incest. Where do you stop?”
“The Scriptures in Leviticus 18:22 –
you know what that says: that a man is not to lay down with another
man; if they do that, it's an abomination. But there is one verse I
really wanted to drive home and then I'll stop, but that's in Romans
Chapter 1. And it's the very last verse – as you know, Paul
addresses this. Listen to the last verse: 'Knowing the righteous
judgment of God that those who practice such things are deserving of
death. Not only do the same' – but watch this – 'for those who
also approve of those who practice these things.'”
“If we don't vote against it, then we
are approving these things that are worthy of death!” Anderson
said.
“They will be on the wrong side of
eternity,” he later added.
In
a video posted on YouTube, panelists are seen nodding in
agreement with Anderson and shouting out “excellent” and “Amen.”
McCoy called the backlash against the
comments a distraction.
“Any attempt to imply that Dr.
Anderson's reading of scripture was a call to harm gays and lesbians
is false and serves as a distraction of the real issues of the
campaign,” McCoy said in a statement.
He added that his group respects the
dignity of all people.