D.C. Mayor axes gospel singer from MLK memorial concert because he is an ‘ex-gay’
WASHINGTON, D.C. , – D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray admitted Monday that he made the final decision to remove gospel singer Donnie McClurkin from the lineup of performers at a city-sponsored concert held Saturday at the Martin Luther King memorial in respond to complaints by gay activists . McClurkin was to have been a headline performer at the event , called “Reflections on Peace: Ghandi to King,” which marked the beginning of a planned series of events to commemorate King’s life during the run-up to the 50 th anniversary of the civil rights leader’s “ I Have a Dream ” speech. But on Friday, several homosexual activists contacted the mayor’s office to complain about McClurkin’s inclusion in the show because the gospel singer is a vocal ex-gay who believes homosexuality is a “curse” which can be overcome through prayer and determination. They threatened to protest the event if he was allowed to perform. Soon after, it was announced that McClu...