Pete Buttigieg says he will not repent for loving his husband

Presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg isn't in the mood to back down.

The Indiana mayor has endured multiple homophobic attacks in recent weeks. But in an interview with columnist Jonathan Capehart at New York City's 92nd Street Y Wednesday night, Buttigieg didn't minimize his relationship with his husband, Chasten Buttigieg.

"What would you say to the Franklin Grahams of the world, the Mike Pences of the world, who have an issue with the LGBTQ community?" Capehart asked Buttigieg.

"I guess I would say that we all have a lot to repent for," Buttigieg said. "I have a lot to repent for when it comes to my marriage: Moments when I've not been as caring as I should be, moments when I've been selfish, moments when I've said a harsh word that I wish I could take back. But one thing that I absolutely should not be repentant for, in the context of my marriage, is the fact that I'm in love with my husband."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Buttigieg has focused criticism for Vice President Pence in recent months, calling him both "fanatical" and a "social extremist." In a conversation with the Victory Fund, an organization that supports LGBTQ candidates, Buttigieg addressed Pence specifically when referring to his relationship with his husband Chasten.

"And yes, Mr. Vice President, it has moved me closer to God," Buttigieg said.

Buttigieg continued to use his religious faith to affirm his own gay identity.

“That’s the thing I wish the Mike Pences of the world would understand: That if you have a problem with who I am, your quarrel is not with me,” Buttigieg said. “Your quarrel, sir, is with my creator."

Mayor Pete Buttigieg is proud.