(USA Today) – Presidential hopeful Ben Carson apologized Wednesday night for saying being gay is a choice, following a backlash over his assertion that prisons are evidence that homosexuality is an option.
“In a recent interview on CNN, I realized that my choice of language does not reflect fully my heart on gay issues,” said the retired neurosurgeon and Republican on Facebook. “I regret that my words to express that concept were hurtful and divisive. For that I apologize unreservedly to all that were offended.”
Carson launched a 2016 presidential exploratory committee earlier this week. He has a faithful following among conservatives, and is doing better in some public opinion polls than some better-known Republicans seeking the White House.
When asked earlier in the day by CNN’s Chris Cuomo if he believes being gay was a choice, Carson replied: “Absolutely.”