Reigning Miss California Carrie Prejean is defending herself -- and her faith -- after racy pictures of the beauty queen leaked on the net!

Pix of a teenaged Carrie wearing nothing but underwear and a smile were recently published by TheDirty.com. In response to a backlash from the pictures, Carrie writes, "I am a Christian, and I am a model. Models pose for pictures, including lingerie and swimwear photos. Recently, photos taken of me as a teenager have been released surreptitiously to a tabloid web site that openly mocks me for my Christian faith."

Prejean continues, "I am not perfect, and I will never claim to be -- but these attacks on me and others who speak in defense of traditional marriage are intolerant and offensive. While we may not agree on every issue, we should show respect for others' opinions and not try to silence them through vicious and mean-spirited attacks."

According to Perez Hilton, Carrie's contract with the Miss USA pageant prohibits her from being photographed "in a state of partial or total nudity."

Donald Trump, owner of the Miss Universe franchise, tells "Extra" that he is reserving judgment on Carrie until he sees the next-to-naked photos. "I don't know what risqué means, I have to see the photos. I hear they're a little bit on the strong side, but I haven't seen them yet."

Carrie concludes, "With that in mind, I will continue to support and defend marriage as the honorable institution it is. I will continue to stand with the overwhelming majority of the American people and the voters of my home state of California. If this whole experience has taught me anything, it is our precious right to speak freely, and how we as Americans can never allow anyone or any group to intimidate or threaten us to keep silent."

Four states have legalized gay marriage -- Maine made it five today, upon expected approval of the Governor.