Former New Jersey
governor James McGreevey, who resigned after revealing
that he had engaged in an extramarital affair with a
male staffer, says culture is outpacing politics in
the acceptance of homosexuality. McGreevey, who was in
Santa Fe, N.M., this weekend to speak at a
fund-raiser for the Human Rights Alliance, called his
decision to come out "one of the most painful but
honest decisions of my life."
Even though the
revelation of being gay can hurt family and friends,
McGreevey said Friday, people must learn at an early age to
be open about their sexuality. "Hopefully, this
generation will be the last generation of American
youth that has to choose between their heart and their
career, between love and acceptance," he said.
McGreevey also
addressed comments made earlier this week by the
Pentagon's top general. Marine Corps general Peter
Pace, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,
remarked that homosexual acts are immoral and said the
military should not condone homosexuality by allowing
gay personnel to serve openly.
"General Pace's
remarks were so terribly unfortunate, not only because
that's what he believes but the notion that 'don't ask,
don't tell' actually encourages people to be less than
honest, less than open, less than transparent,"
McGreevey said.
On Thursday, New
Mexico governor Bill Richardson, who is running for
the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination, also criticized
the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
McGreevey, also a
Democrat, called Richardson a "progressive voice."
Asked if he was
endorsing Richardson's bid for the presidency, he said
it's "too early in process." (AP)
Charlie Kirk DID say stoning gay people was the 'perfect law' — and these other heinous quotes