Gays greatest threat to America, Buttars says

Buttars reportedly told colleagues he was quoted out of context and said he had been promised a chance to review the documentary before it was released. Waddoups told Buttars "to stand up for his issues when it is appropriate and when it's not, don't get trapped into something else."

"I know he feels very strongly about issues, the Utah family," Waddoups said. "Issues that are moral for him are things he should stand up for and represent his people. That's why they elected him. He's doing his job."

Buttars' remarks also caught some heat from the governor's office Wednesday.

"These views are hardly representative of the fair-minded people of Utah," said Lisa Roskelley, a spokeswoman for Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. "This is exactly why we need to find the common ground where we can be respectful of everyone."

During the interview, Buttars addressed issues of morality when it comes to gay-rights legislation.

"I believe the whole thing is immoral," Buttars said. "What is the morals of a gay person? You can't answer that, because anything goes. So now you're moving toward a society that has no morals."

Buttars called homosexuality "a perversion" and took credit for killing every gay-rights bill that has come before the Senate over the last eight years.

"They don't want equality," he said. "They want superiority."

In a statement posted on the Senate's blog Wednesday afternoon, Buttars said simply he was "disappointed" with the documentary filmmaker and would continue to support "traditional marriage."

"I believe traditional marriage is the foundation of our civilization and I'll continue to support public policy that strengthens traditional marriage," Buttars wrote. "I will also continue to oppose policy that undermines that foundation."

Cowan said he made no promise to let Buttars screen the interview before the film's release. The former Salt Lake newsman said claims the interview was taken out of context were "diversionary."

"The tape speaks for itself," he said.

At an interfaith service in the Capitol Wednesday, Equality Utah leaders and gay-rights activists said there was no place for retaliation against Buttars.

"We still love him, even if he hates us," Joe Baker-Gorringe said.

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