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

Dr. Ben Carson.
(Image credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

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."

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Carson went on to say that he also supports "human rights and Constitutional protections for gay people," as well as civil unions.