Ben Carson: Prison proves homosexuality is a choice

Ben Carson
(Image credit: Richard Ellis/Getty Images)

Ben Carson's proto-presidential campaign is off to a bizarre start after the neurosurgeon claimed Wednesday that homosexuality is "absolutely" a choice. His proof: Straight prisoners come out of jail gay.

"A lot of people who go into prison go into prison straight, and when they come out they're gay," he said in an interview with CNN. "So, did something happen while they were in there? Ask yourself that question."

Leading medical associations agree that, contrary to Carson's claim, sexual orientation is not a choice.

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Carson on Tuesday launched an exploratory committee to consider a 2016 run at the White House. —Jon Terbush

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Jon Terbush

Jon Terbush is an associate editor at TheWeek.com covering politics, sports, and other things he finds interesting. He has previously written for Talking Points Memo, Raw Story, and Business Insider.