Christian Conservative: Gays Likelier to Molest Kids

Transcript (from Media Matters):

From the October 3 edition of Hardball:

CHRIS MATTHEWS: OK, tough question: Should the Republican Party nominate gay men or gay women for public office? Is that a problem with you per se, just per se?

TONY PERKINS: Per se? I think that this—there’s an indication, there’s clear research that shows that homosexual men are more likely to abuse children than straight men. And when it comes to government, yes, I have a concern that any type of sexual deviancy is a problem. And I think—I’m not pointing this strictly at homosexuality. I think this is a problem of dropping all sexual restraints in our society, and this is what it leads to. I mean, our kids not even being safe in the halls of government. Is that the America that moms and dads want for their children? I don’t think it is.

MATTHEWS: Do you think this should be in the Republican platform for you to continue your allegiance to the Republican Party, that they stop nominating gay men or women for a public office? How strong are you on this?

PERKINS: Well, you know, I mean, I think—I mean, that’s not it. I don’t think it needs to be in the platform. I think the question here is, was this action based out of fear of being—of a backlash from homosexuals as being seen as gay-bashers? I think they have every right to participate in the process, and if they get elected through their local constituents, that’s fine. But if the party is giving deference and protection and safe haven to those who are on a path of sexual deviancy and abusing children, that’s a problem, Chris.