Miss California loses Miss USA...

[fozzie 41]

Gay marriage row at Miss USA show

Ms Prejean says she does not regret her remarks

The runner-up at the Miss USA beauty pageant says her outspoken opposition to gay marriage cost her first place in the competition.

During the televised event, Carrie Prejean - Miss California - said she believed that "a marriage should be between a man and a woman".

She had been asked for her views on the subject by one of the judges, celebrity blogger Perez Hilton.

"It did cost me my crown," said Ms Prejean, after the competition.

The eventual winner of the pageant was Kristen Dalton, Miss North Carolina.

'Alienated'

"We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage," said Ms Prejean, in a section of the show that has become a popular clip on YouTube.

"I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman," she continued.

"No offense to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised."

The remarks drew a mixture of booing and applause from the audience.

Speaking after the show, which was broadcast on Sunday evening in the US, Ms Prejean said: "I wouldn't have had it any other way. I said what I feel. I stated an opinion that was true to myself and that's all I can do."

Hilton said he had been "floored" by Ms Prejean's answer, which, he said, "alienated millions of gay and lesbian Americans, their families and their supporters".

He told ABC News: "She lost it because of that question. She was definitely the front-runner before that."

Keith Lewis, who runs the Miss California competition, released a statement condemning Ms Prejean's comments.

"As co-director of the Miss California USA, I am personally saddened and hurt that Miss California believes marriage rights belong only to a man and a woman."

The issue of same-sex marriage is a flashpoint in American politics.

Four US states now allow gay marriage, but many other states have passed legislation outlawing it.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8009359.stm

[rooster 1]

While I don't necessarily agree with her opinion, I can respect her for stating her personal beliefs instead of going for the "PC" answer.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

While I don't necessarily agree with her opinion, I can respect her for stating her personal beliefs instead of going for the "PC" answer.

I agree with her, and also appreciate her lack of PC.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

you don't piss off the gays if you want to win a beauty pageant

[Ban Hammer 13,408]

any more questions about how same sex marriage hurts anyone?

you don't piss off the gays if you want to win a beauty pageant

are they frequently the judges?

[amerasianlove 0]

I admire her integrity

[PB&JAM 1]

I admire her integrity

me too! good for her! its a shame ppl cant have a personal opinion without being ostracized.

[ailyn 0]

I admire her integrity

me too! good for her! its a shame ppl cant have a personal opinion without being ostracized.

Agree! That judge for me is so wrong to comment about why she lost the pageant because of her answer?? It should'nt be like that. I admire and like her answer. It was her own opinion. Sad that the judge took it "personally".

[dalegg 143]

So much for "there is no wrong answer"

[one...two...tree 2,762]

If the judges can't judge her answers, then who is being politically correct?

[GaryC 7]

If the judges can't judge her answers, then who is being politically correct?

What does "gay marriage" have to do with a beauty contest? Why should it even be relevent? Judge her on the T&A and the talent. That is what a beauty contest is.

[dalegg 143]

If the judges can't judge her answers, then who is being politically correct?

You gotta be kidding me.

[HannahP 119]

Good for her. I don't support her beliefs but she is very noble for supporting them publicly.

[Niels Bohr 72]

The conservative along time ago didn't approve of desegregation between blacks and whites. Now they're doing the same thing with gays and straight. Only time will let them adapt. They have adapted to blacks, eventually, they'll adapt to the gays.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

If the judges can't judge her answers, then who is being politically correct?

You gotta be kidding me.

Nope. Why ask a question if they can't base their judgment of the contestant on that answer? If it's the wrong kind of question to be asking, then send your gripe to the pageant and complain.