CLEVELAND, Ohio -- After publicly comparing gay marriage to bestiality, Michael Reagan has been disinvited as the keynote speaker for the upcoming fundraising luncheon for the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center.

Reagan, the son of former president Ronald Reagan and a survivor of sexual abuse, was to give his presentation on April 15.

On Friday, Megan O'Bryan, the organization's CEO, wrote in a letter to supporters and attendees, "Recently, Mr. Reagan publicly expressed personal opinions that are in direct contrast with core values of the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center.

"These comments . . . could potentially distract from the purpose of our luncheon, which is to raise awareness about sexual violence."

In an op-ed piece for the Ironton (Ohio) Tribune posted online Tuesday, Reagan wrote that he opposes gay marriage because it will "change the culture of the entire country," and went on to add: "it inevitably will lead to teaching our public school kids that gay marriage is a perfectly fine alternative and no different than traditional marriage.

"There is also a very slippery slope leading to other alternative relationships and the unconstitutionality of any law based on morality. Think about polygamy, bestiality, and perhaps even murder."

The Rape Crisis Center was working on finding another keynote speaker on Friday.

"We have a lot of people who want to help us identify one, and we'll have a wide variety to choose from," O'Bryan said. "I have had about 30 calls and emails saying, 'Thanks for standing up and making this decision.' "

She said that so far, there were no lunch cancellations, but one individual $10,000 donor withdrew support Friday afternoon.

O'Bryan said it was a difficult decision to make, "because we really respect Mr. Reagan's ability to speak out on behalf of survivors of sexual violence."

She emphasized that any survivor of sexual abuse, regardless of their personal, political or religious views, is "welcome with open arms. We are here to provide services to anyone -- and if Mr. Reagan were here for that reason, he would be welcomed."

But, she added, "A keynote speaker has to embody the values of our organization. If we want to end sexual violence, then we need to promote equality for all people and to end oppression."

Gary Daniels, spokesman for the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, said the decision by the Rape Crisis Center isn't a freedom of speech issue.

"It the government were saying this, we'd already have filed a lawsuit," he said. "But this is a private organization and they have the power and ability to invite or disinvite anyone they please, for any reason."

The Rape Crisis Center has contacted the agency representing Reagan as a speaker. "While disappointed, they are understanding of our decision," O'Bryan said. "We have a contract with the agency and are trying to negotiate an agreeable outcome."

No individuals have asked for a ticket refund, she said. "We have heard the message that people are coming to support the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center regardless of the speaker. However, if anyone would like their donation returned we are happy to do that."

The luncheon is the Rape Crisis Center's biggest fundraising event.

Reagan is represented by the Premiere Speakers Bureau. His representatives had not responded to a phone message as of late yesterday.

Tickets, which are $75, are still available for the April 15 noon luncheon at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel. To order, call 216-619-6194 or go to tinyurl.com/facesofchange. Additional information may be found at clevelandrapecrisis.org