Dr. Ben Carson, anti-gay extremist and newly announced 2016 GOP presidential candidate, said that being gay is “absolutely” a choice because prisons prove people choose to be gay. Carson said during an interview with CNN’s Chris Cuomo…

The former neurosurgeon argued that LGBT people do not deserve the same equal protection under the law because they could choose not to be gay.

“You can’t just say because it happened that way, this time this is the same situation. It’s not the same situation. Because people have no control over their race for instance.”

Cuomo asked:

“You think they have control over their sexuality? You think being gay is a choice.”

“Absolutely… 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.”

The American Psychological Association says,

“…there is no consensus among scientists” on how a person’s sexual orientation is developed.

Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors. Many think that nature and nurture both play complex roles; most people experience little or no sense of choice about their sexual orientation.”

But, hey, why let science or the facts get in the way of a nutty argument… it makes good TV! How DID this man get to be brain surgeon of all things…? Oh, just watch.

Well, I guess he backtracked in a statement afterward, saying he…

“realized that my choice of language does not reflect fully my heart on gay issues.I do not pretend to know how every individual came to their sexual orientation. I regret that my words to express that concept were hurtful and divisive. For that I apologize unreservedly to all that were offended.”

OK. But I think we understand what you REALLY believe, sir. Lots of people believe nutty things but they don’t waste our time running for POTUS. (via The Gaily Grind)