Billy Graham Gets Behind NC Gay Marriage Ban

Rev. Billy Graham has come out in strong support of North Carolina’s Amendment One, which would ban gay marriage in his home state. "At 93, I never thought we would have to debate the definition of marriage," reads his statement, which will appear in full-page newspaper ads this weekend. "The Bible is clear—God's definition of marriage is between a man and a woman. I want to urge my fellow North Carolinians to vote for the marriage amendment" Tuesday.

William Martin, a religion professor and author of an authorized biography of Graham, says this is an unusual move for Graham. "I am somewhat surprised that he would take that strong a stand," he tells the AP. "In the past, I have heard him say with respect to homosexuality, there are greater sins." A gay rights group came out with ads recently that compare Amendment One to segregation. (More Billy Graham stories.)