Ben Carson Apologizes for ‘Hurtful, Divisive’ Remarks About Homosexuals

Ben Carson is sorry, very sorry, for what he said about homosexuals on CNN.

Dr. Ben Carson told CNN’s Chris Cuomo the that civil rights and gay rights aren’t comparable because being black is not a choice—but being gay is.

Carson said people “absolutely” have control over their sexuality.

“Because a lot of people who go into prison go into prison straight—and when they come out, they’re gay,” Carson says. “So, did something happen while they were in there? Ask yourself that question.”

Now, Carson apologizing for his choice of language, which he said does not reflect fully his 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,” Carson said.

Carson went on to describe himself as a doctor trained in multiple fields of medicine. He says he was “blessed” to work at one of the finest institution of medical knowledge in the world.

“Some of our brightest minds have looked at this debate, and up until this point there have been no definitive studies that people are born into a specific sexuality,” he said. “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.”

Carson reiterated that he supports human rights and Constitutional protections for gay people, as he has for many years. He made clear that he also supports civil unions for gay couples—and the right of individual states to sanction or deny gay marriage in their respective jurisdictions.

“I also think that marriage is a religious institution,” Carson said. “Religious marriage is an oath before God and congregation. Religious marriage must only be governed by the church. Judges and government must not be allowed to restrict religious beliefs.”

Carson concluded by reminding people that he is not a politician. He said he answered a question without really thinking about it thoroughly.

“No excuses. I deeply regret my statement and I promise you, on this journey, I may err again, but unlike politicians when I make an error I will take full responsibility and never hide or parse words,” Carson said. “As a human being my obligation is to learn from my mistakes and to treat all people with respect and dignity.”