Former OKC mayor apologizes for controversial comments shares email

Kirk Humphreys

Pressure mounted Monday on former Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphreys to resign as vice chairman of the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents following his controversial remarks on a Sunday morning talk show. Humphreys was criticized by gay rights leaders and others who accused him of comparing homosexuals to pedophiles during an exchange with state Rep. Emily Virgin, D-Norman, on KFOR's "Flash Point." The two and moderator Kevin Ogle were discussing sexual harassment and the recent resignations of several politicians when Humphreys brought up Barney Frank, suggesting Virgin was defending the openly gay former U.S. representative. He also mentioned Ralph Shortey, a disgraced former state senator who pleaded guilty to child sex trafficking after he was found in a motel room with a 17-year-old boy. Humphreys: "Is homosexuality right or wrong? It's not relative. There's a right and wrong, you just said it. So it's either right or wrong. If it's OK then it's OK for everybody. Quite frankly, it's OK for men to sleep with little boys, if it's OK."

During another exchange, Humphreys said: "All I'm saying is there's a right and a wrong." Virgin: "I'm not saying homosexuality is wrong." Humphreys: "Well, I do." Reached Monday, Virgin said Humphreys should resign. "It is clear his remarks have been very hurtful to the LGBTQ community at OU," the lawmaker said in a text. "I've heard from many students and their main concern is that Mr. Humphreys, who is set to become chair of the Board, will have an important role in selecting the next President of the University.

"The bottom line is that OU students need to feel welcome at their university, whether gay or straight, black or white, religious or not. Regent Humphreys' statements about the LGBTQ community fly in the face of the inclusiveness that makes the university setting a special and welcoming place." In a statement, OU President David Boren said Humphreys "was speaking as an individual and not on behalf of the university or me." "I do not share his views on this matter," the statement read. "The university strongly reaffirms and takes great pride in its commitment to a welcoming, diverse and inclusive community which respects people of all backgrounds. We value and respect all members of our university family." Late Monday, Humphreys said he regretted his comments, telling The Oklahoman he didn't mean to equate "homosexuality with pedophilia." Related to this story

Article: Former Oklahoma City mayor chided for anti-gay comments

Former Oklahoma City mayor chided for anti-gay comments Article: 'I intend to continue'