Paladino Defends Gay Remarks; Denounces Speedo-Clad 'Grinding' in Parades

Carl Paladino is clarifying his comments on homosexuality, telling NBC's "Today":

"My feelings on homosexuality are unequivocal; I have absolutely no problem with it whatsoever. My only reservation is marriage," Paladino said. The gubernatorial hopeful noted during the interview that he would recruit gays to serve in his administration and currently has homosexual staffers working on his campaign.

"I say that unequivocally I will be a governor for all the people of the state of New York and I've never moved off of that position," Paladino said.

He does have a major correction for some media reports however:

Paladino's campaign had said that several media outlets initially reported that the gubernatorial hopeful had said: "There is nothing to be proud of in being a dysfunctional homosexual."

He said he had read the written remarks before speaking publicly, but "crossed out that remark."

"That is not me, period," he said in the interview.

Paladino did express his displeasure at what he sees at gay pride parades saying children shouldn't be exposed to "grown men grinding on each other."