Attorney General Greg Abbott
A poll of top Republican candidates for statewide office in Texas found that all oppose LGBT rights. But their answers — and lack of answers in some areas — shows they might not really believe what they’re saying.
Gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott was the only one to answer all of the questions, according to the Associated Press. All made it clear they oppose marriage equality, but many didn’t answer questions about employment nondiscrimination. Those that did said nondiscrimination infringes on religious freedom.
Abbott provided some of the more bizarre answers. Although he opposes employment nondiscrimination because of religious concerns, his answer reflected that religious groups are protected.
“Both the U.S. and Texas Constitutions protect faith-based organizations from being coerced into employing persons in a way that would require them to violate their faith,” he wrote.
So an employer like Cathedral of Hope is not required to hire someone who believes in discrimination against gay or transgender people, because that would conflict with their faith.
Another question showed that Abbott either has wrong information or actually doesn’t believe any of the crap that’s been coming out of his mouth.
“Do you believe that homosexuality is a disorder that requires treatment?” AP asked.
“I am not a doctor, a scientist or God,” Abbott wrote. “I cannot render judgment on a person’s sexuality. I can, however, refer you to the American Psychological Association on the matter.”
The APA hasn’t considered homosexuality a disorder since 1975 and more recently has issued a statement in favor of marriage equality. So either Abbott’s answer is that homosexuality is not a disorder or he thinks it is and thinks the APA supports his position. Or more likely, he knows what the APA says and knows most religious bigots don’t.
In some cases, candidates answered the question they wanted to answer without answering the question they were asked.
“Do you support equal civil rights for lesbian, gay and bisexual citizens?” AP asked.
“Current statutes adequately address the issue of equality before the law and I would oppose laws that provide preferential treatments based on lifestyle choices,” Tom Pauken, candidate for governor wrote.
But he was asked about “equal civil rights.” He was not asked about “preferential treatments.” He’s right, of course, that those who choose a heterosexual lifestyle should not be given preferential treatments.
