by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright March 4, 2015
All Rights Reserved.

                Proving that he’s not ready for primetime, 63-year-old former neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson stuck his foot in his mouth talking trash about gay people.  Opposing same-sex marriage, the controversial topic soon-to-be debated in the U.S. Supreme Court, Carson shows how badly he’s out-of-step with mainstream voters, showing greater tolerance of gay marriage around the country.  “Why do gay people want to get married/” asked Carson, opining that they want property and visitation rights.  “Why do they say they want to get married?  Because they want to have various rights—property rights, visitation rights,” said Carson, making the same old case for domestic partnerships or civil unions, struck down by the Massachusetts’ High Court in 2004.  Carson doesn’t understand or want to understand the solid Constitutional arguments for granting marriage to same-sex couples.

             State High Courts around the country have ruled consistent with the 2004 Massachusetts High Court that domestic partnerships or civil unions violate Brown v. Board of Education, granting separate-but-equal status to gays.  “Why can’t any two human beings—I don’t care what their sexual orientation is—why can’t they have the legal right to do those things?  That does not require changing the definition of marriage,” insisted Carson, acting clueless about the Constitutional issues involved in same-sex marriage.  Carson knows that it isn’t about property rights, visitation, health or life insurance or any other financial arrangement:  It’s about the same Constitutional rights for heterosexuals and gay people.  When Carson talks about a “legal definition” of marriage, he’s referring to the Church’s definition, mirrored by various religious groups accusing the state of violating God’s law:  The Bible.

             Carson’s smart enough to understand that Separation Clause of the U.S. Constitution, requiring a clear division between Church and State.  While no Church can be forced to marry same-sex couples, no local, county, state or federal agency can ignore the Constitution guaranteeing all individuals the same rights.  While the matter will be settled by the Supreme Court in June, federal courts have ruled consistently that the Constitution applies to all groups, including gays.  Speaking in 2013, Carson revealed his bias against gay people.  “It’s a well-established, fundamental pillar of a society and no group—be they gays, be they NAMBLA [North American Man/Boy Love Assn.], be they people that believe in bestiality—it doesn’t matter what they are, they don’t get to change the definition of marriage,” said Carson, revealing his abysmal ignorance and bias toward the gay community.

             Announcing Tuesday that he’s developing an exploratory committee to run for president in 2016, Carson sent chills in the Republican National Committee, unsure what he’d say next.  “I’ve decided to explore a potential run for the office of president because I believe my values, life experience and willingness to speak the truth and seek solutions, prepares me well to lead our nation toward more prosperity, security and freedom for every American,” said Carson, showing the kind to tone deafness that hurts the GOP’s chances in national elections.  Bashing gays, opposing same-sex marriage, calling homosexuality a lifestyle choice, are not mainstream American values or beliefs.  It doesn’t extend more freedom to gays, lesbians and transgender folks to have Republicans like Carson espousing such abysmal ignorance.  Comparing gays to NAMBLA or pedophile groups could not be more insulting.

             While certain religious conservatives find Carson’s chatter amusing, even reassuring, he damages the GOP by exposing toxic prejudice about groups not accepted in the GOP, especially so-called Log Cabin Republicans.  Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee caused a stir Feb. 1 comparing homosexuality to a lifestyle choice like drinking or swearing.  Unlike Carson, Huckabee, a former Baptist preacher, wears his religious convictions on his sleeves.  “This is not just a political issue,” said Huckabee Feb. 1 on CNN’s “State of the Union.”  It is a biblical issue.  And as a biblical issue—unless I get a new version of the scriptures, it’s really not my place to say, OK.  I ‘m just going to evolve,” showing why he’s not fit for elective office.  Politicians with strong religious convictions need to park their views at the door before they get sworn in to defend the U.S. Constitution, not the bible.

             Carson’s uninformed remarks about same-sex marriage send shockwaves through the GOP establishment, knowing that such rhetoric could hurt the Party’s chances in 2016.  Independent and crossover voters look carefully at candidates statements, especially their views about on hot topics like same-sex marriage, abortion or immigration reform.  More ignorant statements by GOP candidates drive voters away from backing issues important to mainstream voters.  More incendiary comments could drop Carson’s 10% approval rating even lower.  Mainstream candidates, like former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie or South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham won’t slam gays or same-sex marriage anytime soon.  Candidates like Carson or Huckabee need get their act together before they drag down the rest of the GOP.

About the Author 

John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He’s editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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