Activists attack Surgeon General nominee

WASHINGTON (BP)—James Holsinger, nominated by President Bush to become the 18th U.S. surgeon general, is being slammed by homosexual activist groups because of his outspoken disapproval of homosexual behavior.

Photo courtesy of University of Kentucky

HOLSINGER

Holsinger, 68, is an accomplished cardiologist from the medical center at the University of Kentucky, a state with one of the country's largest healthcare systems.

However, a scholarly article Holsinger wrote in 1991— titled "Pathophysiology of Male Sexuality" as part of the United Methodist debate over homosexuality—is diverting media and political attention from his credentials to his faith.

In the article, Holsinger wrote that anal sex was unnatural and heightened the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. He concluded that injuries and diseases may occur "when the complementarity of the sexes is breached."

Data from the Center for Disease Control indicates that risky homosexual behavior is contributing to dangerous increases in rates of infection for syphilis. The CDC reported an 8 percent rise overall in 2004, a fourth consecutive year of increase. Approximately 64 percent of the new cases were among men who have sex with men, up from just 5 percent in 1999. The same report documented the first increase in over a decade for the syphilis rate among blacks, primarily due to a an increase in the rate among black men. The rate of syphilis infection among all men rose 81 percent from 2000 to 2004. Between 1999 and 2004, the rate of syphilis infection among all women dropped 55 percent.

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest homosexual political organization, has targeted Holsinger's nomination, posting a form letter on its website which HRC supporters can e-mail to members of the Senate, where Holsinger is awaiting confirmation. He was nominated to the post May 24.

The form letter asserts that "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." Holsinger's 1991 paper describing homosexuality as unnatural and dangerous "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 [in Lexington, Ky.] 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," the form letter states.

Numerous evangelical Christians, however, have been at the forefront of challenging various psychological and medical organizations for their acceptance of homosexual behavior.

Hope Springs' website, for example, notes that the church offers various recovery ministries, including "Men's Sexual Integrity ... an opportunity for men to heal from sexual brokenness and find strength to overcome unhealthy sexual behaviors in a safe and confidential environment. Find the support and accountability you need and develop a closer relationship with the one who can heal, Jesus Christ."

The church's overarching purpose, its website states, is "to reach the unreached with the Good News of Jesus Christ so that people can connect to God and His family, grow to be fully devoted followers of Jesus, discover their unique shape for ministry, and share God's love with others."

Holsinger's supporters cited his expertise in the medical field as a reason why he should be trusted with the position of surgeon general. He served for 26 years in the Department of Veterans Affairs and was appointed chief medical director of the Veteran's Health Administration. He was also Kentucky's secretary of the cabinet for health and family services for two years.

Holsinger earned his medical degree from Duke University; he also holds master's degrees from Asbury Theological Seminary and the University of South Carolina.