Differing perspectives on Humphreys' apology divides LGBT+ community 

By Jordan Redman
Staff Writer 

Kirk Humphreys has caught the attention of many over the past couple of weeks. After he asserted on KFOR’s Flashpoint that homosexuality is the reason for moral decline, using Barney Frank to compare homosexuality to pedophilia, the public has paid close attention Humphreys' actions. 

Stay caught up with The Gayly's coverage on Kirk Humphreys: 
Former OKC Mayor blames homosexuality for moral decline
Is Humphreys apology too little, too late?

In a statement released, Humphreys said, “I regret that my comments on Flashpoint regarding homosexuality were not clear and led some people to believe I was equating homosexuality to pedophilia. That was not my intention or desire. I apologize for my lack of clarity and realize this has resulted in a strong reaction by some and has hurt people’s feelings.”

Despite his apology, demands for his resignation swiftly began to surface. 

Read:
OKCPS Board Chair, others ask for Humphreys resignation
Parents speak out against Humphreys homophobic remarks
OKC’s PFLAG gets vocal against Humphreys homophobic comments

Flashpoint invited Troy Stevenson, executive director of Freedom Oklahoma, Oklahoma’s LGBT+ advocacy organization, to share his thoughts on Humphreys statements.

“I do feel that he said he apologized for hurting people’s feelings, rather than he apologized for…. I want to make it clear that we believe that everybody has the freedom of speech. Everybody has the right to believe anything they want to believe.

See Stevenson's full statements: Response to Humphreys bigoted statements on Flashpoint

Yesterday, in a press conference held by Freedom Oklahoma, Humphreys read statement of apology. 

After the conference, Stevenson backed away from Freedom Oklahoma's demand that Humphreys' resign. “I believe that he made it very clear in his statement to us that he did not believe the same things that he said on Flashpoint,” said Stevenson. 

The public demanded to know whether Freedom of Oklahoma was still asking for Humphreys' resignation. 

Freedom Oklahoma has responded to critics on social media with the following statement: 

J.D. Baker, OU’s student body president has changed his opinion Humphreys' resignation. “I believe we can move forward in a productive way.”

Though Stevenson and Baker believe this is an opportunity to create a dialogue between opposing viewpoints, many are still demanding Humphreys' resignation.

Below are some of the comments received by The Gayly: 

There are some that agree an open dialogue is what is best to move forward: 

The OU Board of Regents has called for a special meeting this Thursday in response to the recent controversy surrounding Regent Humphreys' recent comments.

The meeting will be held at Robert M Bird Library in Oklahoma City beginning at 10 a.m.

The Gayly would like to hear your thoughts. Sound off on social media: Do you demand Humphreys' resignation? Or do you believe this is a opportunity for Humphreys to change and move forward? Let us know in the comment section. 

Copyright The Gayly 12/19/2017 @ 6:02 p.m.