Easley's "Pansy"
Remark Draws Fire

North Carolina governor Mike Easley's words drew a critical reaction when he said that Sen. Hillary Clinton's determination made film character Rocky Balboa "look like a pansy."

Gay rights groups took offense at the governor's statement. Human Rights Campaign's Joe Solmonese said that Easley should apologize for his remarks, according to Chicago gay paper Windy City Times. The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation issued a press release Wednesday morning also demanding an apology.

"GLAAD is concerned with Governor Easley's flippant comment this morning utilizing the word 'pansy,' " GLAAD president Neil G. Giuliano said in the statement. "The word is considered by many to be a demeaning and degrading reference to gay men. We encourage all those engaging in political rhetoric to stay away from using language that is considered defamatory toward any group of Americans."

The North Carolina primary is scheduled for May 6. (The Advocate)