PA Rep. Mark Smith Kicked Out Of Christian Band For Backing Gay Marriage

Democratic Pennsylvania state Rep. Mark Smith has been kicked out of his Christian rock band, where he was lead guitarist, for endorsing same-sex marriage.

“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, who is running for lieutenant governor, 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."  He has also asked the band to excise his performance from their just-released single on iTunes.