Rouson changes tack on same-sex adoption

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ST. PETERSBURG — Citing a change of heart, state Rep. Darryl Rouson apologized Monday night for a series of disparaging remarks he made two years ago against homosexuals and same-sex families.

"Sometimes we become educated and evolve," he said during a St. Petersburg NAACP candidate forum. "I have evolved."

In February 2006, Rouson spoke out against same-sex adoption and homosexuality on WEDU's Florida This Week.

"I think it is wrong to allow adoptions of children by gay and lesbian couples," said Rouson, a former Republican and NAACP president. "It sends a wrong message early to a child during formative years that's hard to overcome just by sitting down and talking to them.

"I think lesbianism and homosexuality is morally wrong," Rouson, a lawyer, continued, "The law is supposed to discriminate sometimes, in some respects, it is supposed to discriminate against social order and anarchy."

When another guest suggested opponents of same-sex adoption come up with a better argument than moral righteousness, Rouson responded: "We need to go back to some morals of what used to be and keep some things as simple as the Ten Commandments."

Monday, Rouson said he did not remember the appearance until it was shown to him this week.

But the Rev. Charles McKenzie, Rouson's opponent in the August 26 Democratic primary, challenged Rouson's new politics.

"I evolved to that point a long time ago," McKenzie said of his support of same-sex adoptions.

Rouson became a Democrat in January after he said he was recruited by party leaders to run for the District 55 seat. In a March candidate forum, both Rouson and McKenzie said they supported same-sex adoptions.

Comments on this article

by Judy	Aug 11, 2008 4:17 PM
Rouson's history demonstrates that he will do what it best for himself. If it coincidentally benefits the community, that's ok too. The folks that deserve our disdain are the Democrats who recruited him.

by Beth	Aug 7, 2008 3:16 PM
I don't see that Mr Rouson has changed anything. He may profess to be sorry he caused pain, but that is NOT a change of position. Mr Rouson, give us a direct answer. Do you still believe homosexuality is "morally wrong?" I doubt your "evolution."

by Mike	Aug 6, 2008 1:47 PM
I can't help feeling that you are a liar! You used your faith as a weapon for years and now that we all have had enough of that - you want to say you're more progressive. Please go back to your self rightous Republican Klan - stay out of my party!

by jim	Aug 5, 2008 2:20 PM
Why has it taken so long for these comments by Darryl to come out? This video had been requested a very long time ago but no one could come up with it. In my conversations with Darryl before and after the Election I truly don't think he has changed.

by Dr_Dug	Aug 5, 2008 2:06 PM
A black man that discriminates....you better believe it!!!! Anyone seen Jesse Jackson lately?

by Steven	Aug 5, 2008 2:05 PM
Saying "I'm sorry" doesn't mean you've evolved, Mr. Rouson. You have not changed your stance on any of the issues, you've only apologized for holding these discriminatory views. GO CHARLES!!!

by Phillp	Aug 5, 2008 2:03 PM
I think we need to stop the gotcha politics. He said some harsh things about his fellow citizens and has come to regret those words. I wish he had spoken up BEFORE the video came to light but he earns a few respect points from me for apologizing.

by anonymous	Aug 5, 2008 2:02 PM
no one knows his reason for changing his mind, and as he states it, he became educated and EVOLVED. isn't that what we should all strive to do? or do you really think that b/c someone has an opinion it can never change? That is what education IS.

by Bill	Aug 5, 2008 2:02 PM
An apology that says "I'm sorry your feelings were hurt" is no apology at all. He's a far right conservative trying to pay lip-service to the progressives and liberals in his district. Flip-flopper? No -- just a flop.

by Miss M	Aug 5, 2008 1:56 PM
I was going to vote for him until this nonsense. Do anything say anything to win. sounds like another obamian

by james williams	Aug 5, 2008 11:18 AM
Isn't it amazing what man will do to get where he wants to go? I think we need to take his campaign sign out of our yard because I don't want to support nor vote for someone who knows what's right yet won't stand for right because of personal gain.

by Jan	Aug 5, 2008 11:18 AM
I truly think that he's a cop-out. First he changes his party affiliation now he's changing his views on gays. His first view was right and righteous. Second view is wrong and ungodly; but he would rather get votes than stand for righteousness.

by Jay	Aug 5, 2008 11:18 AM
Mr. Rouson you're a racist. Face it, accept it. You are no different then the Klan. Hate is Hate. You're only changing you retoric to get elected. Try telling the truth. You HATE gays!

by Sean	Aug 5, 2008 11:18 AM
Judge the clip for yourself http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DCaISmos40

by jason r	Aug 5, 2008 11:16 AM
A rattle snake has more integrity than Rousson. The snake's policy never changes; it is reliable and predictable. Rousson changes his positions so often even he can't recall them!

by Pete	Aug 5, 2008 11:16 AM
Rouson is an idiot. Why he's not disbarred is a mystery. He takes the law into his own hands and spews biblical nonsense into politics. Evolve right out of the door, Darryl.

by JT	Aug 5, 2008 11:15 AM
Way to go Mr. Rouson. You have evolved your way into being nothing more than a fast talking flip flopper. The adults in the room will no longer take you seriously given how you don't think through things well before establishing your positions.