NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A day after electing their first African-American president, Southern Baptists have passed a resolution rejecting the idea that gay rights are civil rights.
The resolution opposes gay bashing but affirms Southern Baptists' belief that marriage is "the exclusive union of one man and one woman" and that "all sexual behavior outside of marriage is sinful."
It acknowledges that gays and lesbians sometimes experience "unique struggles" but declares that they lack the "distinguishing features of classes entitled to special protections."
The resolution said, "It is regrettable that homosexual rights activists and those who are promoting the recognition of `same-sex marriage' have misappropriated the rhetoric of the Civil Rights Movement."
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