Marcus Bachmann defends controversial clinic
(CNN) - Marcus Bachmann, the husband of Republican presidential candidate Rep. Michele Bachmann, defended his Christian counseling business over accusations it uses a controversial therapy that encourages homosexual patients to change their sexual orientation.
In an interview with the Minnesota Star Tribune published Friday, Bachmann did not deny that he or other counselors at his clinic used the technique, but said they only did so at the request of a patient.
"Will I address it? Certainly we'll talk about," Bachmann said. "Is it a remedy form that I typically would use? … It is at the client's discretion."
The American Psychological Association has said there is "insufficient evidence to support the use of psychological interventions to change sexual orientation."
Bachmann said the business, located just outside Minneapolis, mostly treats those suffering from depression and anxiety, who already accept religious faith as part of their healing process.
"We don't have an agenda or a philosophy of trying to change someone," Bachmann said.
When asked about the undercover video released to CNN by "Truth Wins Out," a gay rights group, that showed a potential patient being told he could become heterosexual, Bachmann said someone must have doctored the recording.
"This individual came to us under a false pretense," Bachmann said. "The truth of the matter is he specifically asked for help."
- CNN Political Correspondent Jim Acosta contributed to this report.
I suppose if folks WANT shamans praying to gods to rid them of their "sodomist ways" then that is 100% their right as a human living their own life. I just don't see how more backwards this notion could be though. We ARE in the 21st century right? Maybe some leeches will get the gay out >.>
True they ARE GOING TO defends the clinic , what you think they are going to do. Tell every body they cheated people out of money and cheat Medicare out of money On something they new they couldn't do. There Is no way the way they were taking care of Gay people was going to work. It was on a bunch of Crap.
"This individual came to us under a false pretense," Bachmann said. "The truth of the matter is he specifically asked for help."
Translated: The Bachmann's no longer consider this individual's barbaric soul worth saving - government supplemental funding notwithstanding.
"This individual came to us under a false pretense," Bachmann said. "The truth of the matter is he specifically asked for help."
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Either those two statements are mutually contradictory, or Marcus just admitted that everything on the tape is true.
The issue isn't treating gays, it is using federal funds to promote their religous views. This has all of the appearances of Medicare fraud.
"He's SSSSuper, thankssss for assssking"
Imagine going through life as Mr. Michele Bachmann? Just shoot me now!!!!!!!
Jon stewart and seinfeld had a LOT of fun with biig boy marcus on the daily show the other night. Sorry, but my gaydar is off it's high mark on this guy.
She's married to a flamer and doesn't realize it. This really makes sense because I wouldn't expect anything less from Michele Bachmann.
I'm confused, why does Marcus always use "we" when referring to gays, that's kinda odd.
"This individual came to us under a false pretense," Bachmann said. "The truth of the matter is he specifically asked for help."
AND, as I recall, a guy dressed up as a pimp recently came to an ACORN office asking for help. Such is life in our politically confrontational age.
Yeah, that video was doctored but James O'Keefe is a documentary filmmaker according to her. Glad you are sinking already Michelle.
What next? Is Bachmann going to advocate tax payers pay for prayer faith healing instead of care by a medical doctor?
I know we are not suppose to judge others but have you taken a good look at this man. I agree with Marie MD "my gaydar is off its high mark on this guy". It will take a little while but someone will come forward. But honestly have you look at Sarah Palins husband
Maybe he could open up another clinic that would cure people from hatred and bigotry and turn them toward love and forgiveness, liek the bible tells us to do. He could star with himself and his wife.
Some people are stupid enough to believe this stuff. I don't see how praying is going to do it but I don't want my tax dollars going to it. If you look at Leviticus, which is what these people base their predudice on, you'll see that homosexuality is the only thing left on the list of things that are sins.
if he wants to hate himself, and project that onto other people in the same situation....hey! it is a free country!
Yes Jon Stewart and Seinfeld really nailed it. Marcus indeed does have a rather odd sounding voice...was he a reformed "patient" of his own clinic ? Just stating the obvious. How many Republican fundamentalists have been caught in gay sex scandals...Foley, Craig? Who else is next?
The only thing that is important is to find out if they commited medicare fraud and if so, that they are criminally charged to the fullest extent of the law. If they did not commit a crime let em go. Its not like Bachmann could ever win over the majority
If there is a demand for this kind of service. Somebody should provide it, after all, it's typical. This is our ways. I do not see the big deal at all!
Marcus Bachmann, the husband of Republican presidential candidate Rep. Michele Bachmann, defended his Christian counseling business over accusations it uses a controversial therapy that encourages homosexual patients to change their sexual orientation.
I'm sure they would like to water board all barbarians in the name of GOD !
These people are the Christian equivalent of Muslim Wahhabism
Michell's husband looks very suspicious to me if you know what I mean maybe god helped him get over his tendencies.
Michele is suppose to be so "tea party" ethical. How come her religous counceling business takes government money?
This lady is worse than a wolf in sheeps clothing. She is a corporate tax lawyer that specializes in finding ways for the rich to avoid taxes.
Come on Marcus, the closet is for hangers.
Lots of self-righteous liberals on this post.
Is the clinic being funded with tax moneys? I doubt it, or CNN would have written it into the article. So, if you don't want to go to a private clinic, don't. The Bachmanns are good people (whether you agree with them or not).
If (when) any past "indiscretions" come to light, he will simply say that he prayed about it with his wife and he has been forgiven. The crazies that support them will eat this up and love them even more.