Reverend James Gracie, of the Free Church of Scotland, declared in an interview with BBC Radio Scotland that homosexuality "is an option". Gracie even compared it to pedophilia, crimes and polygamy. "If homosexuals want to be treated equally, what happens to pedophiles? And what about polygamy?" he declared.
For the reverend, homosexuals "have tendencies toward all kinds of things." The reverend's statements are causing strong controversy in Scotland, which is currently debating Equal Marriage. Tom French, an activist with the Equality Network, said the views of opponents of marriage equality were "disappointing".
"It is disappointing that opponents of equal marriage are comparing gay couples to pedophiles, polygamists and thieves in an increasingly desperate effort to convince the Scottish Government not to legalize equal marriage," said Tom French.
After the negative repercussions of his statements, Reverend James Gracie said he has nothing to apologize for. "I don't think I have to apologize or clarify. I have an opinion, just like a homosexual has his point of view. I'm not homophobic. For example, if I see a gay man being attacked because of his sexuality, I will be the first to offer to testify in your favor. Now, if I offended anyone, I apologize, but I maintain my point of view", he said.
