Colts' Dungy: 'I
embrace' same-sex marriage ban
By Robert King, The
Indianapolis Star from USATODAY.com March 21, 2007
CARMEL, Ind. — Indianapolis
Colts coach Tony Dungy said he knows some people would rather he steered clear
of Indiana's gay marriage debate, but he clearly staked out his position
nonetheless.
The Super Bowl-winning coach told more than 700 people at the Indiana Family
Institute's banquet Tuesday night that he agrees with that organization's
position supporting an amendment to the Indiana constitution that defines
marriage as between one man and one woman.
"I appreciate the stance they're taking, and I embrace that stance," Dungy said.
Local and national gay-rights organizations had criticized Dungy for accepting
the invitation to appear at the banquet. The institute, affiliated with
Focus on the Family, has been one of the leading supporters of the marriage
amendment, currently in the hands of the Indiana House.
"We're not anti- anything else. We're not trying to downgrade anyone else.
But we're trying to promote the family — family values the Lord's way," Dungy
said. "IFI is saying what the Lord says. You can take that and make
your decision on which way you want to be. I'm on the Lord's side."
The coach said his comments shouldn't be taken as gay bashing, but rather his
views on the matter as he sees them from a perspective of faith.
Bil Browning, managing editor of Bilerico.com, a blog that focuses on gay,
lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues in Indiana, was surprised to learn of
Dungy's remarks.
"It is unfortunate that coach Dungy has chosen to align himself with the Indiana
Family Institute," he said. "The Colts were supported this season by all
of their fans — gay and straight."
Among those not surprised was the Rev. Clarence C. Moore, Dungy's pastor at
Northside New Era Baptist Church. Moore said Dungy previously voiced
support after Moore's sermons proclaiming the Bible's opposition to
homosexuality.
Debbie Huskins of Zionsville, Ind., who attended the speech, said Dungy's
comments square with her views of the Bible, and she welcomed the coach's public
statement on the topic.
"I guess I just consider him more in this arena as a man and a father and a man
of God, not just a coach. That's his job, but who he is, is a man of God.
And that's how he was speaking tonight."
The Indianapolis Star is owned by Gannett, the parent company
of USA TODAY.
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