DENVER—A state senator who quoted Bible verses during a debate about health benefits for same-sex couples said Thursday that he’s sorry he didn’t explain his views more clearly, but that he stands by his beliefs.
Sen. Scott Renfroe, R-Greeley, said he didn’t mean to imply that homosexuality was the same as murder during his remarks, in which he cited a line from Leviticus calling for the death of men who sleep with one another. During his six-minute, unprepared speech Renfroe said that homosexuality is a sin but not the only one, adding that murder and adultery were other examples.
On Thursday, he said he didn’t think that homosexuals should be punished and said he should have picked his words better. He said he didn’t mean to hurt people by his comments.
“I don’t equate or believe homosexuals are the same as murderers in our wordly sense,” he said.
However, Renfroe added that all sin is an offense to God and the state shouldn’t make laws that condone any of them.
At issue was a bill that would extend health insurance benefits to the partners of gay and lesbian state employees.
Sponsor Sen. Jennifer Veiga, D-Denver, said she was upset that fellow Republicans didn’t question remarks either by Renfroe or by Sen. Dave Schultheis. On Wednesday, Schultheis said he was voting against HIV testing for pregnant women because he didn’t think government should protect people from the consequences of their “unacceptable behavior.”
Renfroe said he cited various verses from both the Old and New Testament to explain his views on homosexuality and why he couldn’t support the bill, which he said would sanction homosexuality.
“I will stand by my faith, my beliefs and what I said to that end,” he said.
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