Michele, Marcus Bachmann suggest there are fewer gay people than researchers think
Tue. December 20, 2011 10:06 AM by OnTopMag.com
Michele Bachmann and husband Marcus have described reports that say that 10 percent of the population is gay as "a myth."
At a campaign stop in Iowa on Sunday, the Bachmanns were confronted by Kathy Schnell, who asked Mrs. Bachmann to sign her "gay-friendly Iowan" sign.
"I wonder if you're aware that 10 percent of the population is gay," Schnell said. "And if you have 28 children, then 2.8 of those kids are very likely gay."
"Well, that's according to the Kinsey Report," Mrs. Bachmann replied after a brief pause.
"Your facts are wrong," Mr. Bachmann said.
"That not valid?" Schnell asked.
"No, it's not at all. That's been a myth for many years," said Mr. Bachmann, who runs a Christian counseling center which has been accused of attempting to "cure" gay people.
In responding to the Bachmanns' claims, progressive blog ThinkProgress.org suggest the figure might be higher.
"According to analysis by the Williams Institute, it is true that only 3.5 percent [of the population] openly identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual. But studies also suggest that as much as 11 percent of the population has had same-sex attractions with at least 8 percent engaged in same-sex sexual behavior," the blog wrote.
"When the Bachmanns spread their anti-gay messages or harmful ex-gay junk science, they are hurting millions of Americans, and quite possibly members of their own family."
At a campaign stop in Iowa on Sunday, the Bachmanns were confronted by Kathy Schnell, who asked Mrs. Bachmann to sign her "gay-friendly Iowan" sign.
"I wonder if you're aware that 10 percent of the population is gay," Schnell said. "And if you have 28 children, then 2.8 of those kids are very likely gay."
"Well, that's according to the Kinsey Report," Mrs. Bachmann replied after a brief pause.
"Your facts are wrong," Mr. Bachmann said.
"That not valid?" Schnell asked.
"No, it's not at all. That's been a myth for many years," said Mr. Bachmann, who runs a Christian counseling center which has been accused of attempting to "cure" gay people.
In responding to the Bachmanns' claims, progressive blog ThinkProgress.org suggest the figure might be higher.
"According to analysis by the Williams Institute, it is true that only 3.5 percent [of the population] openly identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual. But studies also suggest that as much as 11 percent of the population has had same-sex attractions with at least 8 percent engaged in same-sex sexual behavior," the blog wrote.
"When the Bachmanns spread their anti-gay messages or harmful ex-gay junk science, they are hurting millions of Americans, and quite possibly members of their own family."
Article provided in partnership with On Top Magazine