A day after denying he said gay people
are “sick,” E.W. Jackson, the Republican nominee for lieutenant
governor of Virginia, has defended his right to speak out against gay
rights.
In an interview Wednesday with CBS
affiliate WUSA, Jackson denied ever saying that gay people are “very
sick people” and that the military will be punished by God for
allowing openly gay troops.
“[C]ategorically not true,” Jackson
said.
(Related: E.W.
Jackson denies saying gay people are “sick.”)
During an appearance on NewsChannel
8's NewsTalk Thursday morning, Jackson was shown video clips of
his remarks.
“I refuse to apologize for being a
Bible-believing Christian,” Jackson said. “There are millions of
us all over the Commonwealth of Virginia. No matter how much I'm
persecuted for it, I will not apologize for it. Believing that
marriage is a union between one man and one woman, having certain
moral beliefs is not incompatible with treating all people with
respect.”
He added: “I understand the
difference between my role as a minister and my role as lieutenant
governor. I've got to serve gay people, straight people, people who
believe in God, people who don't believe in God. I understand the
distinction and frankly, it's an insult to suggest that I don't. I
love the constitution and the first amendment.”