Sam Clovis in Trump campaign vs. Trump administration

On Civil Rights: Science on homosexuality is unsettled; behavior is a choice

Sam Clovis has argued that homosexuality is a choice and that the sanctioning of same-sex marriage could lead to the legalization of pedophilia, a CNN KFile review of Clovis' writings and speeches has found. Clovis made the comments between 2012 and 2014 in his capacity as a talk radio host, political activist, and briefly as a candidate for US Senate in Iowa.

Clovis has repeatedly argued that the science on homosexuality is unsettled and that "LGBT behavior" is a choice. The American Psychological Association has said that while there is no scientific consensus on the causes of sexual orientation, "most people experience little or no sense of choice about their sexual orientation."

Asked for comment on Clovis' beliefs surrounding the science of homosexuality, a USDA spokeswoman told CNN: "The Supreme Court settled the issue in 2015." The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

Source: CNN.com coverage of 2017 Trump Administration nominations Aug 21, 2017

On Families & Children: Same-sex marriage could lead to legalizing pedophilia

Sam Clovis has argued that same-sex marriage could lead to the legalization of pedophilia. At a campaign stop during his failed campaign for the Republican Senate nomination, Clovis said the science was still out but "as far as we know" being LGBT is protections for a choice in behavior as opposed to a primary characteristic."

Continues Clovis, "Follow the logic, if you engage in a particular behavior, what also becomes protected? Are we going to protect pedophilia? Are we going to protect polyamorous marriage?"

When a questioner said some might call Clovis' words extreme, Clovis responded, "I don't think it's extreme. I think it's a logical extension of thought. And if you cannot follow the logic then you're denying your in denial."

Source: CNN.com coverage of 2017 Trump Administration nominations Aug 21, 2017

The above quotations are from Campaign promises compared to follow-up actions taken by the Trump Administration. Click here for other excerpts from Campaign promises compared to follow-up actions taken by the Trump Administration. Click here for other excerpts by Sam Clovis. Click here for a profile of Sam Clovis.
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Page last updated: Nov 02, 2024