Dr. Ben Carson, a former neurosurgeon and current GOP presidential hopeful, has apologized for his Wednesday comments on homosexuality. He had suggested that being gay is a choice and that some prisoners chose to be gay while in jail.
While on CNN’s New Day Wednesday, Carson told Chris Cuomo that being gay is “absolutely” a choirce. “Because a lot of people who go into prison go into prison straight -- and when they come out, they're gay. So, did something happen while they were in there? Ask yourself that question,” Carson continued.
Shortly after his statements were picked up on the web, Carson’s team sent out a statement to reporters, notes TIME. He apologized for his statements and further explained his stance on homosexuality.
“I do not pretend to know how every individual came to their sexual orientation,” Carson said in the statement. “I regret that my words to express that concept were hurtful and divisive. For that I apologize unreservedly to all that were offended.”
He wrote that there have been “no definitive studies” that show that “people are born into a specific sexuality.” He continued, “We do know, however, that we are always born male and female. And I know that we are all made in God’s image, which means we are all deserving of respect and dignity.”
While Carson said that he does support rights for gay people, Carson personally opposes gay marriage.
“Religious Marriage is an oath before God and congregation,” Carson said Wednesday. “Religious marriage must only be governed by the church. Judges and government must not be allowed to restrict religious belief.”
Carson launched an exploratory committee on Tuesday and came in fourth in the CPAC conference straw poll.
screenshot from CNN YouTube video