Republican presidential candidate Mike
Huckabee says the marriages of gay and lesbian couples don't meet the
definition of marriage.
In a recent Google hangout with
conservative activists, Huckabee was asked what he would do as
president to prevent “the same-sex mirage” from victimizing
Christians.
“The agenda here is not simply to
have the freedom for same-sex relationships called marriage,”
Huckabee answered. “I refuse to say that that's marriage because
marriage does have a definition and that's not it.”
“The assault is on something deeper
than just the institution of marriage.”
Huckabee went on to predict that
marriage equality would lead to the shuttering of Christian-led
institutions.
“If [a hospital refuses] to allow
benefits to a same-sex couple because it violates their convictions,
they'll lose their hospital accreditation. The hospital goes out of
business. The same thing happens to Christian universities,” he
added.
(Related: Mike
Huckabee offers “prayers and support” to Kim Davis, clerk
blocking gay marriages.)