Pennsylvania: Dem. state rep. Mark Smith kicked out of Christian band over marriage equality support

Democratic Pennsylvania state Rep. Mark Smith has been kicked out of his Christian rock band, One Floor Away, where he was lead guitarist, for endorsing same-sex marriage. He was apparently given an ultimatum:

“It sort of blew my mind,” Smith said. “It was like a smack to the side of the head.” He said the band’s record producer and a couple of his band mates gave him the ultimatum late last month as they were meeting in Ithaca, N.Y. for a recording session. Smith has played the guitar for years, influenced by blues greats such as B.B. King, and he joined One Floor Away in 2011. He also designed its web site.

“I would prefer not to speak on the subject right now,” said KC Sawyer, a keyboardist with the band and the managing director of DMKR studios, an Ithaca, N.Y. record label that handles Christian acts, including One Floor Away. “What we do with our band we prefer to keep quiet.” On its website, One Floor Away says its mission is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, and Smith was supportive of that positive message.

Smith says he's not changing his mind: "I’m a liberal Democrat, and I feel we should certain allow people to marry who they please. Equality is the foundation of this country; it’s not something I’ll back down on."

Smith, is currently running for the Democratic nod for lieutenant governor in Pennsylvania.