Gary Sinise quits speech for Catholic-tied group that views gays as ‘disorder’

Actor Gary Sinise pulled out of a planned speech for the Catholic-tied Legatus after realizing the organization pushes to cure homosexuality and labels same-sex attractions a “disorder” that can be fixed.

Legatus magazine said its website, Raw Story reported: “It’s impossible to see homosexual unions as being in line with God’s intentions for marriage since the product of intercourse is not fruitful. Along with masturbation, fornication and adultery, homosexuality is a selfish act that cannot fulfill the divinely ordained purpose of the reproductive powers. The Church encourages people who suffer from the disorder of same-sex attraction to live a chaste and celibate life.”

And in 2011, Legate John Haas wrote that “there are many reasons why people suffer from SSA [same-sex attraction] disorder. Fortunately, there is hope for those who suffer from the disorder. The National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality reports that significant numbers of homosexual persons have undergone treatment and had their sexual drives properly ordered,” Raw Story reported.

Mr. Sinise, who was due to speak at the group’s 2015 Summit, canceled his appearance shortly after learning of the controversial statements.

“For me, faith has been a catalyst for my mission to honor the men and women who serve in our nation’s military,” Mr. Sinise said in a statement reported by Raw Story. “When I accepted the invitation to speak at the Legatus conference about veterans issues and share my story, I was unaware of the controversy surrounding some of the participants and their views on personal matters. I don’t want my mission — which is designed to be unifying — to be disrupted by these, or any controversies, and therefore have decided to withdraw.”

Gov. Bobby Jindal and Cardinal Timothy Dolan were still scheduled to speak, Raw Story reported. Bret Baier, with Fox News, however, pulled his name from the speaking list, too.