BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Republican Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore is calling accusations of sexual misconduct against him "scurrilous and false," but he declined to take questions from reporters about them.

  

Moore says the accusations are "not only untrue but they have no evidence." He says he will be staying in the race despite calls from fellow Republicans to step down.

  

Religious and conservative allies of Moore held a Thursday news conference to show support for the candidate.

  

Two women have accused Moore of sexual misconduct when they were 14 and 16 and he was in his 30s. Others say Moore attempted to start romantic relationships with them when he was in his 30s and they were teens.

  

Conservative commentator Alan Keyes, abortion-rights opponents and others spoke in support of Moore.