Bush nominee for Surgeon General has anti-gay record

A growing number of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights groups are calling for the rejection of President Bush's nominee to be Surgeon General. The Human Rights Campaign, Truth Wins Out, Soulforce and gay medical groups all are raising alarm bells over Dr. James Holsinger. Holsinger, an MD and professor at the University of Kentucky, is a former head of Health and Family Services in Kentucky. In addition to his medical degree he holds an MA in biblical studies from Asbury Theological Seminary and is one of nine members of the United Methodist Church Judicial Council. As a member of the council he opposed a decision to allow a lesbian to be an associate pastor, and supported a pastor who would not permit an openly gay man to join the church. In a document titled "Pathophysiology of Male Homosexuality," Holsinger stated that in his capacity as a physician biology and anatomy precluded considering LGBT equality in the United Methodist Church. In the document he took lengths to say that his opinion was his scientific view and that his theological views are separate. "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," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "It is essential that America's top doctor value sound science over anti-gay ideology." Holsinger and his wife were founders of Hope Springs Community Church, in Lexington, KY, which operates a so-called "ex-gay" ministry. "We see that as an issue not of orientation but a lifestyle," the Rev. David Calhoun, the church's pastor has said. "We have people who seek to walk out of that lifestyle." Both the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association have condemned so-called conversion therapy. Holsinger's relationship with Hope Springs came under attack from a group that opposes the "ex-gay" movement. "Holsinger is an ideologue whose medical views on gay and lesbian people resemble sorcery more than sound science," said Truth Wins Out's Executive Director Wayne Besen. "The last thing America needed was another deplorable nominee who isn't up to the job, but this is exactly what Bush delivered," said Besen who writes a weekly syndicated opinion column carried by 365Gay.com. "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," said Solmonese. Senate committee hearings on Holsinger's nomination have not been scheduled. He has declined to comment publicly until he appears before the committee.