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For a few weeks now there has been much debate over whether the Superbowl winning coach Tony Dungy, would appear as a guest speaker at the Indiana Family Institute's banquet. The Institute has a strong Christian tradition and has been adamant supporters for a gay marriage ban. This week that debate came to a close when Coach Dungy did appear and affirmed that he was not only in support of the Institute, but was in fact against gay marriage. 

The Institute is affiliated with Focus on the Family who has been one of the leading supporters of the marriage amendment, which would not allow same sex marriages. The event catered to around 700 people and Dungy stated that he supported a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman. 

He has had a lot of pressure from different sides to not bring up the topic at all, but he waited until the last few minutes to even address the issue after what must have been some riveting stories about his exceptional career with the Colts including his road to winning the Superbowl this year. 

Dungy did make a point to say that his comments should not be construed as gay bashing, but are just an extension of his faith and beliefs. "We're not anti- anything else. We're not trying to downgrade anyone else. But we're trying to promote the family and family values the Lord's way," Dungy said. 

The Colts have tried to distance themselves from any controversy making a statement earlier this month that they did not advocate any political or religious view in either direction. They did however make it known that coach Dungy was allowed to speak to any group he wished. Also in an even more controversial move the sports organization donated sports paraphernalia that was auctioned off and raised over 20,000 dollars for the Institute. 

Also trying to distance themselves, the NFL provided a statement about Dungy's appearance. Spokesman Greg Aiello said, "Coach Dungy is speaking for himself and expressing his views, which he is fully entitled to do. No doubt there are people in our league that have a different view. We respect the right of employees to have and express their views and don't regulate the political or religious views of team or league employees."

To all you gay Colts fans out there, bet you wished you'd rooted for the Bears, huh?

Written By Dylan Vox

Article provided in partnership with GayWebMonkey.com.