Story highlights "Do I think that people are, you know, born gay? Probably," Kasich said

In explaining his answer, Kasich called for greater tolerance in America

San Francisco (CNN) John Kasich told an audience here Friday that some people are "probably" born gay after being pressed on the issue by an audience member who said he was gay.

San Francisco resident Kelly Bryan, 62, asked Kasich the question at a forum hosted by the Commonwealth of California Club, telling the Ohio governor, "Gay people are human beings and not a lifestyle choice. Please respond without prayer being an answer."

"In terms of me, I don't believe in discrimination," Kasich said. "I think there is a balance, however, between discrimination and people's religious liberties. But I think we should just try to, like, take a chill pill, relax, and try to get along with one another a little bit better instead of trying to write some law to solve a problem that doesn't frankly exist in big enough numbers to justify more lawmaking."

Bryan responded by saying Republicans "don't believe in marriage equality."

"Well, no, they don't tell me what to do about the platform. The Republican Party is my vehicle, not my master," Kasich replied. "I have a right to define the Republican Party, too."

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