MINNEAPOLIS — The campaign group trying to pass the constitutional gay marriage ban is apologizing after one of its officials told several small groups that supporters of gay marriage were using techniques similar to Adolf Hitler.

The rival campaign recorded a recent Brainerd event where the Rev. Brad Brandon said that Hitler suppressed religious freedom, and that religious freedom is at stake in Minnesota’s campaign to define marriage. He made a similar pitch at a public seminar in Woodbury where at least two other Minnesota for Marriage staffers were present.

Brandon is director of church outreach for Minnesota for Marriage. Deputy Campaign Manager Andy Parrish said Brandon’s remarks were not sanctioned by the campaign and that he’s been instructed to get back on message.