Keep Bias Out of America's Health Decisions
Guess who President Bush wants to be the next U.S. Surgeon General?
Hint: His past writings indicate that he believes homosexuality is a "lifestyle" choice that should be "cured," and he has compared reproductive organs to plumbing parts.
His name is Dr. James Holsinger. And he's the man America might be depending on for sound medical advice.
Holsinger's record seems to demonstrate that he is uninterested in the best scientific information available; instead, he allows his anti-gay bias to inform his medical judgments.
That means that instead of hearing the usual warnings against smoking and drinking, America might be subjected to a new one that says, "homosexuality is unnatural and unhealthy!"
Dr. Holsinger's past writings suggest a scientific view rooted in anti-gay beliefs that are incompatible with the job of serving the medical health of all Americans. In a 1991 document titled "Pathophysiology of Male Homosexuality," Dr. Holsinger argued, in his capacity as a physician, that homosexuality is unnatural and dangerous. This document indicates that he views sexual orientation as a "lifestyle choice." This could not be further from the position held by mainstream medical or scientific organizations.
Additionally, Dr. Holsinger and his wife were founders of Hope Springs Community Church which reportedly ministers to people who no longer wish to be gay or lesbian. 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.
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, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans. I urge you and your colleagues to examine his record closely, take into consideration his past anti-gay writings and associations, and his response to those views during the confirmation process. If he continues to stand by those positions, we urge you to vote NO on his confirmation. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this important matter.
I'm outraged - and I knew you would be, too. But we can do something to stop Holsinger from becoming our nation's top doctor. I wrote my Senators, telling them to vote NO on his nomination. Will you join me?
The Senate needs to hear from as many of us as possible - so that they have no choice but to listen.
Take action today.
Hint: His past writings indicate that he believes homosexuality is a "lifestyle" choice that should be "cured," and he has compared reproductive organs to plumbing parts.
His name is Dr. James Holsinger. And he's the man America might be depending on for sound medical advice.
Holsinger's record seems to demonstrate that he is uninterested in the best scientific information available; instead, he allows his anti-gay bias to inform his medical judgments.
That means that instead of hearing the usual warnings against smoking and drinking, America might be subjected to a new one that says, "homosexuality is unnatural and unhealthy!"
Dr. Holsinger's past writings suggest a scientific view rooted in anti-gay beliefs that are incompatible with the job of serving the medical health of all Americans. In a 1991 document titled "Pathophysiology of Male Homosexuality," Dr. Holsinger argued, in his capacity as a physician, that homosexuality is unnatural and dangerous. This document indicates that he views sexual orientation as a "lifestyle choice." This could not be further from the position held by mainstream medical or scientific organizations.
Additionally, Dr. Holsinger and his wife were founders of Hope Springs Community Church which reportedly ministers to people who no longer wish to be gay or lesbian. 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.
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, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans. I urge you and your colleagues to examine his record closely, take into consideration his past anti-gay writings and associations, and his response to those views during the confirmation process. If he continues to stand by those positions, we urge you to vote NO on his confirmation. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this important matter.
I'm outraged - and I knew you would be, too. But we can do something to stop Holsinger from becoming our nation's top doctor. I wrote my Senators, telling them to vote NO on his nomination. Will you join me?
The Senate needs to hear from as many of us as possible - so that they have no choice but to listen.
Take action today.
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