Well, we know what the No. 1 gotcha question for Republican presidential candidate will be this year: "Is homosexuality a choice?"
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., was the first victim on "Face the Nation" Sunday when Bob Schieffer hit him right between the eyes.
Rubio responded somewhat incoherently, "I don't believe that your sexual preferences are a choice for a vast and enormous majority of the people. The bottom line is I believe that sexual preference is something people are born with."
Why doesn't that answer make any sense? Because if something is a "preference," then it is a choice.
For instance, I prefer maple donuts. That doesn't mean I can't live without them. I choose to eat maple donuts over other kinds.
TRENDING: America's most dangerous demographic
Obviously, Rubio didn't see this one coming. So here is my guide to answering the question the next time it inevitably comes up. It should appeal to candidates who want to be diplomatic, but it has the advantage of being true.
Yes, homosexuality is a choice because homosexuality manifests itself in behavior – sexual behavior. No one would suggest, for instance, that adultery is not a choice. That's because even though many men may be inclined toward adulterous behavior, only some yield to the temptation. Same with women.
Adultery, by the way, has no political movement behind it. There are no adultery "pride" groups out there. Some adulterers may talk about their behavior with others, but usually in hushed tones. They may even get support and encouragement from their friends for a variety of reasons. Nevertheless, adultery is very much in the closet – as pretty much all sexual behavior was before the sexual revolution, when it became something of an obsession to talk about it and portray it explicitly on TV and in movies, magazines and websites.
Now we are reaping the whirlwind for exploiting a beautiful gift from God, idolizing it, making a mockery of it and turning the twisting of it into one of the most sinful things – a source of "pride."
What do YOU think? Is homosexuality a chosen behavior? Sound off in today's WND poll
You should note that no politicians are proposing the banning of counseling for men and women who want to stop committing adultery and restore their marriages. Why? Because there is no political movement supporting adultery – even though, I would venture to say, there is more of it going on than there is homosexuality. Few would want to provide special legal protections and non-discrimination laws in support of adultery – even though society's attitude is live-and-let-live when it comes to consensual sexual activity.
Am I equating adultery and homosexuality? No, I am not. What I am doing is comparing the way these two sexual sins – and they are both clearly, unmistakably and unequivocally labeled as such in the Bible, along with the grievous sin of "pride" – are now treated in the media, the political arena and the popular culture.
It's a deliberate form of mind manipulation, disinformation and reprogramming Americans' most basic ideas about sexual morality.
So why do we suppose homosexuality is an immutable, unchangeable condition? No gay gene has ever been isolated. It may be a strong compulsion for some people, but most definitely there are also people who were once practicing homosexuals who have changed. They've gotten married – to members of the opposite sex, had children and lived happy and fulfilled lives. In fact, there are many thousands of them. But don't expect to see them interviewed on daytime television. Don't expect them to show up as sitcom characters. Don't expect the popular culture to admit they even exist – even though there are, indeed, organizations and support groups like Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays, or PFOX.
Do we want to be honest about matters like homosexuality? Or do we prefer to dance delicately around the subject and give politically correct answers to questions that won't offend anyone?
I'm waiting for the first candidate to hit this one out of the park.
Look! Christians are not intolerant of homosexuals – not real Christians. They recognize them as sinners, just like the rest of us – people who need redemption by turning away from their sin, for their own good.
Now, we're on verge of making it illegal for Christians to do what they are commanded to avoid – even coercing them into taking part in ceremonies celebrating sinful activity.
That's not right! And someone – some smart would-be president – needs to clearly articulate that point.
Media wishing to interview Joseph Farah, please contact [email protected].
|