Ben Carson says he regrets 'hurtful and divisive' comments on homosexuality


A free daily digest of the biggest news stories of the day - and the best features from our website
Thank you for signing up to TheWeek. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
Ben Carson is backpedaling from comments he made on CNN Wednesday about prison proving that homosexuality is "absolutely" a choice.
"A lot of people who go into prison go into prison straight — and when they come out, they're gay," the neurosurgeon and potential 2016 Republican presidential nominee had told CNN. "So, did something happen while they were in there? Ask yourself that question."
He apparently took his own advice. On his Facebook page Wednesday night, Carson wrote: "I 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."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Carson went on to say that he also supports "human rights and Constitutional protections for gay people," as well as civil unions.