Kansas House Speaker Mike O’Neal says he will not resign because of criticism he’s received since forwarding two e-mails critical of President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.

A Washington D.C.-based group called Faithful America had collected nearly 25,000 signatures by Monday on an online petition seeking O’Neal’s resignation.

The controversy started after O’Neal forwarded the two e-mails this month. One quoted a Bible verse that says “May his days be few; May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow.” The second e-mail called Mrs. Obama “YoMama.”

O’Neal apologized last week, saying he did not intend to offend anyone. He said he has support in the House and will not resign.

Rep. Melody McCray-Miller, a Democrat from Wichita, said she wants to House to take some action against O’Neal.