White spoke before the Wisconsin State Legislature yesterday, where he accused the United States of "going away from God" by "allowing homosexuality to run rampant," called homosexuality "a decision," and applauded various races for their "gifts" based upon stereotypical traits.

To an audience of political leaders stunned into silence by the hour-long diatribe, White made comments about gays, African-Americans, Asians, Latinos, and others.

"I'm absolutely appalled that someone of White's stature would be so insensitive to a group that has faced so much discrimination and bigotry," said openly gay ex-Green Bay Packer Dave Kopay.

GLAAD Executive Director Joan M. Garry said, "White's stardom gives him influence over millions of youth and adult fans. I am shocked that he would irresponsibly use his voice in such a damaging manner.

"White's assertion that being lesbian or gay is a malicious 'lifestyle' akin to dishonesty and cruelty is bizarre, wrong-headed and factually inaccurate.

"GLAAD calls upon him to apologize for his divisive and hurtful comments and asks the National Football League and the Green Bay Packers to separate themselves from White's prejudicial views."

In addition to demanding an apology, GLAAD will urge all of its GLAADAlert subscribers to contact the Green Bay Packers and the NFL to voice their concern. More than 70,000 people receive the weekly online publication, which is available at http://www.glaad.org.

GLAAD is a national organization dedicated to promoting fair, accurate and inclusive representations of individuals and events in the media as a means of challenging discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity.