Cardinal Apologizes for Linking Gay Parade to KKK

Chicago's Cardinal Francis George is apologizing for remarks comparing an annual gay rights parade to a Ku Klux Klan rally.

In a Chicago Tribune interview, George said he is "truly sorry for the hurt my remarks have caused."

George said he has gay and lesbian family members, and his remarks "evidently wounded a good number of people. I am sorry for the hurt."

The cardinal's initial remarks last month were prompted by plans by gay pride leaders to route a parade at a time that would have interfered with services at a church. He said it resembled anti-Catholic marches once staged by the Klan. The time of the parade was changed.

Gay rights groups condemned his comments.

An official of The Civil Rights Agenda, which called for George's resignation because of his remarks, said Friday that he is pleased by the cardinal's apology. Anthony Martinez, executive director for the gay rights group, said George has set a good example of leadership by admitting he was wrong.