Joseph Lowery takes issue with ministers' voting stance - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

The dean of the civil rights movement said he disagrees with some African-African ministers who are urging parishioners to stay home on Election Day.

Some African-American ministers in New York and Baltimore say they disagree with President Barack Obama's support of gay marriage and they're also uncomfortable with Republican presidential nominee, Governor Mitt Romney being a Mormon.

The Rev. Joseph Lowery said that he does not agree with the ministers' position.

"It's tragic that they're so misguided. Fortunately, African-Americans are not going to listen to them," Lowery said.

Lowery is a strong supporter of the President. He even performed the benediction at his inauguration ceremony. Lowery says gay marriage is a civil rights issue.

"Our forefathers bled and died and in recent years, we lost lives because people were trying to gain equal rights. That's what the President is guaranteeing. That's what he ought to be doing," said Lowery.

A poll conducted by the Pew Research Center back in April found that nearly half of all African-Americans oppose legalizing same-sex marriage.

At Paschal's Restaurant, a meeting place for many leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, many were hesitant to discuss gay marriage and their faith.

"I know that certain people have strong convictions in affiliation with their religion, and I feel as though that's their right to do so," said Francisco Nunez, a Morehouse College junior.

Nunez doesn't believe people should be discouraged from voting just because they disagree with a candidate's views.

"I feel as though you should have an input on the vote regardless of your convictions on certain matters," said Nunez.

Atlanta resident Mary Long said she agrees with Lowery on the matter.

"They're too many hungry children, people living in poverty, people unemployed for us to have -- to even have this conversation," said Long.

Lowery will give the fall convocation address at Clark Atlanta University on Tuesday.  Afterwards, he will lead a voter registration march and rally.