Texas Governor Rick Perry Stands By Comparison of Alcoholism and Homosexuality

Texas Gov. Rick Perry appeared on CNN's Crossfire Wednesday evening, where host Stephanie Cutter grilled him about his recent remarks comparing homosexuality to alcoholism.

Cutter replayed the clip of Gov. Perry saying that while he may "possess the genetic disposition to alcoholism" he has the desire not to drink. Gov. Perry went on to say that homosexuality should be dealt with the same way.

Cutter then clarified her question to Perry saying, "You're saying alcoholism is a disease, we know that. Are you saying that homosexuality is a disease as well?"

Perry was adamant that his position and comments on the issue stood for themselves. Cutter proceeded to ask Perry to reiterate what his position on homosexuality is.

"No, I'm going to tell you where I think we need be as a country and what we need to be focused on," said Perry. "And that is not on these social issue."

Perry went on to say that social issues such as homosexuality should be left up to the state legislation to decide.

The Texas GOP revised platform consists of various comments about "an escape from homosexuality," coinciding with Perry's comments.

The general opinion of the Texas GOP is that homosexuality can be 'reversed' or 'cured' by various forms of counseling through churches or psychotherapy. "Ex-gay therapy" has been widely rejected by psychiatrists and doctors who contend that homosexuality is not a disease in which one must be cured.

After Gov. Perry brought up homosexuality being a state issue, Cutter prodded some more, asking what Perry thought about "ex-gay therapy."  

Perry replied, "I'll leave that up to the psychiatrists and doctors."  

Gov. Perry will likely rekindle his candidacy for the 2016 Presidential Elections. As the nation moves forward homosexuality will continue to be a hot button issue.

Perry's comments and positions will likely be brought up again as 2016 inches closer.