HRC | Holsinger’s Anti-Gay Views Make Him ‘Unworthy’ of Surgeon General Post
WASHINGTON — The Human Rights Campaign spoke out today in opposition to President Bush’s nomination of Dr. James Holsinger to the position of surgeon general. Among other things, the U.S. surgeon general is charged with educating Americans about public health.“Dr. Holsinger has a record that is unworthy of America’s doctor,†said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “His writings suggest a scientific view rooted in anti-gay beliefs that are incompatible with the job of serving the medical health of all Americans. It is essential that America’s top doctor value sound science over anti-gay ideology.â€
In a document titled “Pathophysiology of Male Homosexuality,†Holsinger opined, in his capacity as a physician, that biology and anatomy precluded considering gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality in his denomination. The opinion very clearly states that this is his scientific view, stating that theological views are separate.
Additionally, Holsinger and his wife were founders of Hope Springs Community Church which, according to the church’s pastor, ministers to people who no longer wish to be gay or lesbian. The pastor, the Rev. David Calhoun, said that the church has an “ex-gay†ministry. “We see that as an issue not of orientation but a lifestyle,†Calhoun said. “We have people who seek to walk out of that lifestyle.†This type of “ex-gay†conversion therapy has been condemned by almost every major, reputable medical organization — including the American Psychological Association, which issued a condemnation more than 10 years ago.
First of all, it’s appalling that someone who appears to exhibit a strong anti-gay bias that stems from personal religious beliefs is even considered for a post as important as that of Surgeon General of the United States.
What really torques me off is the pattern continues; Bush appointees are either fox-in-the-henhouse industry insiders running regulatory commissions, or religio-political ideologues opposed to the the core mission of social services, health, or human rights bureaus. How is it they they think they can get away with this bald=faced effrontery?
Oh, I so cannot wait for January 20, 2009.
How is it they they think they can get away with this bald=faced effrontery?
For Bush it’s a win/win. Not only does he show the Social Conservatives how great a supporter he is of them, the debate over the nomination will make for great sound bites for the GOP to use next year (as clubs against the Dems or any moderate Republicans). Whether Holsinger gets approved is almost beside the point.
I suspect for the remainder of the term, Bush’s appointees/nominees will be of this ilk, With Dems in charge in the Senate (barely), it’s not highly likely they’ll get in, but they serve as great wedge issues.