Comedian Adam Carolla believes the gay community as a whole has “just turned into a mafia and demanding everyone apologize for every joke and retract every statement,” Salon reported Monday.

“It’s like — I think every year Variety or the Hollywood Reporter or one of those magazines comes out with a list of celebrities or notables that hate the gay community. Whatever it is. I was on that list, because in 2011 I made a joke about Chaz Bono. Jesus Christ, if you can’t joke about Chaz Bono, then we’re all through!” the comedian continued.

While promoting his new book, “President Me: The America That’s in My Head,” Mr. Carolla reiterated that he doesn’t have a problem with gay people, saying that he wouldn’t be able to work in Hollywood if he did. He noted that Charles Herman-Wurmfeld, the director of his last film, is gay.

Mr. Carolla then gave Salon a partial list of the reasons for supporting gay marriage that made it into his book. “One: They’re American. Two: They pay taxes. Three through five: So they can shut the [expletive] up. I don’t want to be lying on my deathbed and realize gay marriage and legalization of marijuana is all I discussed the last half of my life,” he said.

The comedian was also asked about “systemic disadvantages” faced by nonwhite comedians trying to break into the industry, as well as any obligation he might feel to help those who are not “straight, white and male.”

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