Politician's 'Anti-Gay' Speech Sparks Outrage

Kern did not respond to e-mails and messages left at her office and home in Oklahoma City. Her husband, a Baptist minister, also did not return a message. A spokesman for the state House of Representatives, speaking on Kern's behalf, said Kern would not be available for an interview.

Her son, Jessie, said he stood by his mother. "I'm grateful that she has the passion to stand up for what she believes in," he said.

Kern has declined to apologize, telling local newspapers that her speech was edited when it was posted online and that her comments were taken out of context. She said she was referring only to activists who support gay candidates and what she called the "homosexual agenda." She said she had no problem with gay individuals.

She told the Tulsa World newspaper that she received a standing ovation during a private meeting of Republican lawmakers on Monday. A spokeswoman for House Speaker Chris Benge said there were no plans to censure Kern for her comments.