Wednesday, June 6, 2007

New nominee for Surgeon General

Continuing his tradition of nominating people to federal positions that don't have everyone's best interests at heart, consider Bush's newest nominee for Surgeon General.
[Surgeon General nominee Dr. James] 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.

Oh. Well, perhaps I'm overreacting. Sure, he has his theological views, and I may disagree with them, but I'm sure he can keep those separate from his professional and medical views and serve all Americans, be they gay, straight, bi, or other, right?
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.

...well, nuts.
Holsinger and his wife were founders of Hope Springs Community Church, in Lexington, 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.

Well, nuts.

[Edit] Some more on Holsinger's obsession with anal sex, as well as that paper of his.

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