NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A day after electing their first African-American president, Southern Baptists have passed a resolution rejecting the idea that gay rights are civil rights.
The resolution opposes gay bashing but affirms Southern Baptists' belief that marriage is "the exclusive union of one man and one woman" and that "all sexual behavior outside of marriage is sinful."
It acknowledges that gays and lesbians sometimes experience "unique struggles" but declares that they lack the "distinguishing features of classes entitled to special protections."
The resolution says, "It is regrettable that homosexual rights activists and those who are promoting the recognition of 'same-sex marriage' have misappropriated the rhetoric of the Civil Rights Movement."
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269-w-30-(Steve Coleman, AP religion editor, with the Rev. Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission)--A day after electing their first African-American president, Southern Baptists have passed a resolution rejecting the idea that gay rights are civil rights. AP Religion Editor Steve Coleman reports. (20 Jun 2012)
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270-a-15-(The Rev. Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, addressing the denomination's annual meeting)-"and a father"-The Rev. Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, says Southern Baptists continue to oppose same-sex marriage. (20 Jun 2012)
<<CUT *270 (06/20/12)>> 00:15 "and a father"
