Minnesota congressman: homosexuality is an ‘unhealthy sexual addiction’

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A Republican congressman in Minnesota has said that homosexuality is a choice and aĀ form of “sexual addiction.”

GlennĀ GruenhagenĀ made the statements on Wednesday following the unveiling of a proposal to legalise same-sex marriage in the state, reports the Star Tribune.

Of homosexualityĀ heĀ said at a press conference: ā€œItā€™s an unhealthy sexual addiction.ā€

“So the concept that you’re born that way and it’s an immutable characteristic is an unscientific lie, OK?” MrĀ Gruenhagen continued. “The human genome map has been completed. I urge you, as the news media, to give both sides a fair and open hearing on this debate.”

The congressman, who represents Glencoe, Minnesota, also spoke about gay conversion therapy, saying he had a friend who ran a clinic for sexual addiction.

“He helped many homosexuals and other people come out of the lifestyle,ā€ claimed Mr Gruenhagen.

He added: ā€œWhen we talk about gay marriage, we are not talking about an immutable characteristic, like the colour of your skin.

Last November, a referendum to cement a ban on same-sex marriage intoĀ Minnesotaā€™s constitution was defeated.

In Mr Gruenhagenā€™s home county, 65% of voters supported the proposed constitutional amendment to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

However, severalĀ lawmakers are nowĀ seeking to legalise equal marriage in the state.