“I was talking about an agenda. I was not talking about individuals," said Kern, the wife of a Baptist minister. "They have the right to choose that lifestyle. They do not have the right to force it down our throat.

"I have never said hate speech against anybody. I would never do that."

Kern's comments were condemned by various groups including the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization. The Victory Fund said Kern's comments had received more than 530,000 hits on YouTube.

Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund, said the group does not condone threats that have been directed at Kern.

"We're not standing by anybody who is making any kinds of threats against her," Wolfe said.

But he said Kern needs to understand that her words have outraged thousands of people.

"We can have a political dialogue without that kind of speech," he said. "There's no way you can get away from those kinds of comments."

In a letter to Kern, Wolfe said her words could have real-life consequences.

"What you said is not OK, but that's not because most sensible people disagree with it," Wolfe said. "It's because your words give aid and comfort to those who would hurt, maim and even kill people who are different from you.

"The point of the Victory Fund's releasing your speech was to draw attention to the fact that even elected leaders like you are saying some nasty and potentially dangerous things about your fellow citizens," he said. "Our mission is to elect people to counter your hate and bigotry with honesty and courage."