SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Sacramento mayoral candidate Kevin Johnson upset local gay and lesbian leaders after saying he believes marriage is between a man and a woman.

The former NBA star made the statement in response to a question during a candidate debate this week.

Gretchen Bender, vice president of the Sacramento County Board of Education, says Johnson's statement shows that he is not ready to lead the city.

Bender and a half-dozen other gay and lesbian leaders held a news conference to express their concern about the former Phoenix Suns star.

Johnson issued a statement saying he supports civil unions and equal benefits for same-sex couples. But he added that his religion does not advocate same-sex marriage.

Mayor Heather Fargo and the five other candidates support gay marriage.