County Commissioner Criticized for Comments on Gay Marriage

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A Meade County commissioner is facing criticism for posting comments about gay marriage on his county Facebook account.

Alan Aker says his post was misinterpreted, and he's surprised by the reaction.

Aker made his comment after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that gay marriage is legal nationwide. The Rapid City Journal reports that Aker predicted the end of marriage as a civil institution, saying he thinks it will become "an exclusively religious institution," leading to problems among the non-religious.

Aker has a disclaimer on his Facebook page saying he is not speaking for the county. He says voters want to know what their leaders think.

Some people have started an online petition to remove Aker from office. State's Attorney Kevin Krull says he doesn't think Aker's actions warrant removal.

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