Anti-Marriage Equality Md. Politician Harms Kids in Drunken Boating Incident

A Republican lawmaker from Maryland, who argues that gay marriage would negatively impact children, has admitted he was involved in a drunk boating accident that injured four children, Gay Star News reported.

"It is true that I was drinking while operating my boat," Don H. Dwyer Jr., a member of the House of Delegates, Maryland's lower legislature, said. Dwyer spoke at a press conference outside the Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, where he is currently being treated. "No one, no one, should be drinking and operating a motor vehicle or powerboat," he added -- a little too late, however, for his young victims.

Dwyer admitted he crashed his boat into another boat full of young children on the Magothy River in Pasadena, Md., around 7 p.m. on Friday. The politician, who is active in the Tea Party, had a blood alcohol level of 0.2, which is twice the legal limit.

It was reported that four children were injured in the incident and a five-year-old girl was taken to a nearby hospital via helicopter. Two adults were on the boat but both did not suffer any injuries.

"I deeply regret my actions, and I ask for forgiveness from the public," Dwyer said. "My heart and prayers go out to the family that was involved in the accident, and I pray for them to have a speedy recovery."

Dwyer has been one of the leading opponents against marriage equality in the Free State. His (very vocal) platform has been that the legalization of gay marriage will lead to "homosexuality being taught in schools."

He's also one of the key politicians behind a state referendum to ban same-sex marriage, now legal in Maryland. Dwyer has also tried to impeach public officials who support gay marriage.

Ironically, Dwyer signed a measure earlier this year that would remove lawmakers from office when they are found guilty of serious crimes. Maryland voters will decide on the issue in November.

Meanwhile, on the other coast, the Roman Catholic archbishop-elect of San Francisco, Salvatore Cordileon, was arrested on Friday for drunk driving. Cordielon, who has been equally vocal about his opposition to marriage equality and supported California's Proposition 8 banning same-sex marriage ban, was stopped near San Diego State University and taken into custody, according to Detective Gary Hassen, a police spokesman. Hassen did not reveal Cordielon's blood-alcohol level or if he took a sobriety test, the the Associated Press reported.