CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- North Carolina Republican Sen. Jim Forrester is under fire for what a top Democratic leader is calling a "hate-filled speech."

Earlier this week, Forrester met with the Iredell County Young Republicans to discuss the political climate in Raleigh. Our newspaper partner, the Statesville Record & Landmarkb was also there and quoted the senator as saying, "slick city lawyers and homosexual lobbies and African-American lobbies are running Raleigh."

Civil rights activist and former North Carolina assistant to the Rev. Al Sharpton John Barnette said Forrester's comments are unacceptable. "Being in office so long, you would think he'd know better, but I think he has a lot more to learn," Barnette said.

Eyewitness News spoke with the senator by phone Thursday. He said, "I just wanted to tell people what was going on in Raleigh. A lot has changed in the 18 years since I've been there. It used to be conservative now it's very liberal."

The senator also said, "I'm sorry if I offended anyone with my comments." He added, "Anyone who knows me knows I'm not mean spirited."

But the senator is not taking back the comments and stands behind what he said about the influences over state government.

But Barnette said in his opinion that's not enough.

"Apologies are good but I think a lot of individuals such as Mr. Forrester need to be put in a position where they need some diversity training." Barnette continued, "They need to wake up and realize this is America. This is a melting pot."

Forrester, who is currently seeking an 11th term in the state Senate, is no stranger to controversy. Since 2004, he's led the push for the "Defense of Marriage" bill which would essentially ban gay marriage in the state.