OBAMA PRESSURED TO DROP DONNIE MCCLURKIN FROM TOUR:

   OBAMA PRESSURED TO DROP DONNIE MCCLURKIN FROM TOUR:

Gay rights groups say singer spreads false information about homosexuality.

  *Barack Obama is being pressured by a gay rights group to remove gospel star Donnie McClurkin from his fund-raising tour because of the singer's views on homosexuality.

      The artist, who has spoken openly about his belief that sexual preference is a choice, reiterated his stance Monday in a telephone interview with the Associated Press, stating:  "I don't believe that it is the intention of God. Sexuality, everything is a matter of choice."

       McClurkin – who is among several gospel singers scheduled to raise money for the Democratic presidential candidate at a concert in South Carolina this weekend – said he does not believe in discriminating against homosexuals.       

       "What people do in their bedrooms and who they are as human beings are two different things," he said.      

       In a statement, Obama said he believes gays and lesbians are "our brothers and sisters" and should be afforded the same respect, dignity and rights granted all other citizens.      

       "I have consistently spoken directly to African-American religious leaders about the need to overcome the homophobia that persists in some parts our community so that we can confront issues like HIV/AIDS and broaden the reach of equal rights in this country," Obama said. "I strongly believe that African Americans and the LGBT community must stand together in the fight for equal rights. And so I strongly disagree with Reverend McClurkin's views and will continue to fight for these rights as president of the United States to ensure that America is a country that spreads tolerance instead of division."      

       The statement, however, did not specify whether McClurkin has been booted from the tour.      

       "We strongly urge Obama to part ways with this divisive preacher who is clearly singing a different tune than the stated message of the campaign," Wayne Besen, executive director of Truth Wins Out, said in a statement.

       In 2004, McClurkin performed at the Republican National Convention and told AP Radio at the time that he was "once involved with those desires and those thoughts," which he attributed to being raped at 8 and 13.      

       "That's what thrust me into it, and then God delivered me from that and gave me back who I really am and my true purpose," McClurkin said