Lawmaker demands that NFL player Brendan Ayanbadejo be reprimanded for supporting marriage equality

Brendan Ayanbadejo

The National Organization for Marriage likes to spotlight people who are allegedly "attacked" or "persecuted" because they speak out against marriage equality.

But what about those who are attacked because they speak out for marriage equality.

Like Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendan Ayanbadejo. His support of marriage equality has a Maryland lawmaker demanding that he receive a reprimand:

Emmett C. Burns Jr. sent a letter to Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, asking for the team to curb Ayanbadejo's support of the issue.

"I find it inconceivable that one of your players, Mr. Brendon Ayanbadejo would publicly endorse Same-Sex marriage, specifically as a Raven Football player. Many of my constituents and your football supporters are appalled and aghast that a member of the Ravens Football Team would step into this controversial divide and try to sway public opinion one way or the other.

"Many of your fans are opposed to such a view and feel it has no place in a sport that is strictly for pride, entertainment and excitement.," Burns wrote. "I believe Mr. Ayanbadejo should concentrate on football and steer clear of dividing the fan base.

"I am requesting that you take the necessary action, as a National Football League Owner, to inhibit such expressions from your employees and that he be ordered to cease and desist such injurious actions. I know of no other NFL player who has done what Mr. Ayanbadejo is doing."

Ayanbadejo isn't backing down. He tweeted the following:

“The fight is not about same sex marriage or interracial marriage or slavery or equal rights for women. The fight is for equality for all!”

and

Football is just my job it's not who I am. I am an American before anything. And just like every American I have the right to speak!!!

By the way, here is a video of Ayanbadejo supporting marriage equality: