Maryland state House Delegate Emmett Burns has criticized Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo for the player’s stance in favor of marriage equality, Outsports.com reported.
Burns sent a letter to Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti saying he found it “inconceivable” that a player would support same-sex marriage. In response, the player tweeted, “The fight is not about same-sex marriage or interracial marriage or slavery or equal rights for women. The fight is for equality for all.” Ayanbadejo offered two tickets to the Ravens’ season opener to support a fundraiser for Marylanders for Marriage Equality.
However, in response to the attack, another player has berated Burns. According to ABC News, Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe (in a letter) told the politician, “I can assure you that gay people getting married will have zero effect on your life. They won’t come into your house and steal your children. They won’t magically turn you into a lustful cockmonster. … I find it inconceivable that you are an elected official of Maryland’s state government.”
In response to a deluge of criticism, Burns has since changed his position, saying Ayanbadejo has a right to support marriage equality. Burns told the Baltimore Sun, “Each of us has the right to speak our opinions. The football player and I have a right to speak our minds.”