WASHINGTON — Sen. Sam Brownback said Monday he meant no offense to homosexuals when he used the word "fruits" in a recent interview with Rolling Stone magazine.
In a lengthy profile titled "God's Senator," the magazine quotes the Kansas Republican as criticizing countries like Sweden that allow civil unions between same-sex couples.
"You'll know them by their fruits," Brownback said, quoting a biblical passage from Matthew.
Rolling Stone writer Jeff Sharlet said in the story, in the current issue, that Brownback appeared to be calling gay Swedes "fruits," a derogatory term for homosexuals.
After gay and lesbian advocacy groups denounced the comment, Brownback issued a statement Monday saying his quote "was in no way referring to sexual orientation."
