Appearing on CNN's Crossfire,
Texas Governor Rick Perry, a Republican, was asked whether he
believes being gay is a disease.
The question was a follow up to remarks
Perry made last week during an appearance in San Francisco.
When asked last week whether he
believes being gay is a disorder, Perry answered: “Whether or not
you feel compelled to follow a particular lifestyle or not, you have
the ability to decide not to do that. I may have the genetic coding
that I'm inclined to be an alcoholic, but I have the desire not to do
that, and I look at the homosexual issue the same way.”
(Related: Rick
Perry compares being gay to an alcoholic.)
“Alcoholism is a disease, we know
that,” co-host Stephanie Cutter said. “Are you saying that
homosexuality is a disease, as well?”
“I think my position's been fairly
clear on that for a substantial period of time,” Perry answered.
“Just tell us your position,”
Cutter stated.
“No, I'm going to tell you where I
think we need to be as a country and what we need to be focused on.
And that is, not on these social issues. I think the social issues,
frankly, should be decided state by state.” (The video is embedded
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