Barack Obama has responded to the controversy surrounding his decision to include anti-gay gospel star Donnie McClurkin in his last ditch, please-vote-for-me-black-people gospel tour in South Carolina. To the disappointment of anti-McClurkins, he did not respond by booting the "formerly gay" Pentecostal minister from the tour.

“I have clearly stated my belief that gays and lesbians are our brothers and sisters and should be provided the respect, dignity, and rights of all other citizens. I have consistently spoken directly to African-American religious leaders about the need to overcome the homophobia that persists in some parts our community so that we can confront issues like HIV/AIDS and broaden the reach of equal rights in this country," Obama said in the written statement.

"I strongly believe that African Americans and the LGBT community must stand together in the fight for equal rights. And so I strongly disagree with Reverend McClurkin’s views and will continue to fight for these rights as President of the United States to ensure that America is a country that spreads tolerance instead of division," the statement added.

Not to generalize blacks in South Carolina, but this issue might not be as controversial for them as it is for Obama supporters (of other races and/or religious backgrounds and/or sexual orientation) in other parts of the country. Still, if the gospel tour buys you a few votes in South Carolina but costs a lot more everywhere else, is it worth it?

[BS]