Huey_durden
Jun 6, 2007, 12:49 AM
WARNING: Bush nominee for Surgeon General helped founded anti-LGBT "re-education" program & more
"It is essential that America's top doctor value sound science over anti-gay ideology," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.
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 US 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."
In a document titled "Pathophysiology of Male Homosexuality," Dr. Holsinger opined, in his capacity as a physician, that biology and anatomy precluded considering GLBT equality in his denomination. The opinion very clearly states that this is his scientific view, stating that theological views are separate.
Additionally, Dr. 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, 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 over ten years ago.
"Although the church's theology isn't being nominated, this discredited practice purports to be a psychological and medical service, and if Dr. Holsinger is involved in any way, it conflicts with his duty to accept and promote sound science in the interest of public health," continued Solmonese.
"We are hopeful that during the hearing process Congress will fully examine Dr. Holsinger's background and part of that examination will include issues affecting our community, including his stance on conversation therapy. Too often, we have seen President Bush send nominees to Congress that have proven their inability to separate their personal beliefs from their professional duties. As the nation's chief medical doctor, the office of Surgeon General is an extremely important position that has an impact on the lives of gay and lesbian Americans (And hey HRC remember us? It also has an impact on Bisexual & Transgender Americans! or is that LGBT just in there for show & fundraising?) and the hearing process should involve a discussion about where Dr. Holsinger stands on medical issues relating to our community," Solmonese concluded.
X-posted with permissions (& a few additions) from the Human Rights Campaign
Dr. Holsinger's nomination is also opposed by Truth Wins Out, Soulforce and a host of gay medical groups. Also he hasn't done well by US Veterans either.
Holsinger's nomination will go before the US Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, chaired by Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) Presidential candidates Senator Barack Obama (D-IL), Senator Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) sit on this committee.
Please write ALL of them and tell them to STRONGLY oppose his nomination.
"It is essential that America's top doctor value sound science over anti-gay ideology," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.
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 US 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."
In a document titled "Pathophysiology of Male Homosexuality," Dr. Holsinger opined, in his capacity as a physician, that biology and anatomy precluded considering GLBT equality in his denomination. The opinion very clearly states that this is his scientific view, stating that theological views are separate.
Additionally, Dr. 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, 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 over ten years ago.
"Although the church's theology isn't being nominated, this discredited practice purports to be a psychological and medical service, and if Dr. Holsinger is involved in any way, it conflicts with his duty to accept and promote sound science in the interest of public health," continued Solmonese.
"We are hopeful that during the hearing process Congress will fully examine Dr. Holsinger's background and part of that examination will include issues affecting our community, including his stance on conversation therapy. Too often, we have seen President Bush send nominees to Congress that have proven their inability to separate their personal beliefs from their professional duties. As the nation's chief medical doctor, the office of Surgeon General is an extremely important position that has an impact on the lives of gay and lesbian Americans (And hey HRC remember us? It also has an impact on Bisexual & Transgender Americans! or is that LGBT just in there for show & fundraising?) and the hearing process should involve a discussion about where Dr. Holsinger stands on medical issues relating to our community," Solmonese concluded.
X-posted with permissions (& a few additions) from the Human Rights Campaign
Dr. Holsinger's nomination is also opposed by Truth Wins Out, Soulforce and a host of gay medical groups. Also he hasn't done well by US Veterans either.
Holsinger's nomination will go before the US Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, chaired by Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) Presidential candidates Senator Barack Obama (D-IL), Senator Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) sit on this committee.
Please write ALL of them and tell them to STRONGLY oppose his nomination.