Fr. James Martin, a notorious proponent of normalizing homosexuality, tweeted that God makes people gay, and that so-called “conversion therapy” should be banned.
This was in response to the Supreme Court hearing oral arguments in Chiles v. Salazar, a case about counseling freedom for all, including people who wish to reduce feelings of same sex attraction.
Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, Founder and President of the Ruth Institute countered: “Fr. Martin’s statement suggesting that God makes people gay is factually incorrect.”
In his tweet, Fr. Martin defended his claim that “conversion therapy” should be banned by stating, “Like it or not, understand it or not, this is how God made them.”
In a video statement, Morse explained that a 2019 study of the human genome showed there is no “gay gene.” Identical twin studies also contradict the “born gay” theory. If one identical twin is gay, the other should be 100% of the time. But that’s only the case about 30% of the time.
Morse and Fr. Paul Sullins, Ph.D., the Institute’s Senior Research Associate, submitted an amicus brief to the Court, summarizing research on sexual orientation change therapy.
“This case is about the freedom of parents, families, and counselors to even talk about faith, identity, and healing,” Morse said. “Kaley Chiles, the therapist at the center of this case, doesn’t coerce clients — she listens to young people who come to her saying: ‘I’m confused. I want to understand my feelings and live in peace with my beliefs.’”
“Colorado law says she can’t have that conversation,” Morse noted. “That’s ideological control and viewpoint discrimination.”
Morse noted: “Even the American Psychological Association (APA) admits that many possible factors contribute to same sex attraction or a gay identity. The claim that ‘this is how God made them,’ is bad science. It’s also bad theology, as Fr. Martin ought to know. God doesn’t make anybody gay.”
Morse also disputed Fr. Martin’s assertion that there’s “no evidence” that counseling helps.
“That is simply false,” Morse said. “Talk therapy has helped many people. The Ruth Institute’s brief outlines our research proving this and critiquing the study that claims the opposite.”
”Besides, what about the many people who have left homosexuality, some with the help of therapy? Just one of these people disproves the claim that ‘no one can change’ and ‘therapy never works.’”
“The Supreme Court is being asked to decide whether the state can control what you’re allowed to say in the privacy of a counseling room. Let’s hope they rule in favor of freedom of speech and religion. That’s something every Catholic — including priests — should defend.”
Watch Dr. Morse’s full remarks in the video, Ban Truth?
