RETIRED NEUROSURGEON AND potential Republican nominee for the US 2016 presidential election Ben Carson has apologised for saying that prison sex proves being gay is a choice.

Asked by CNN’s Chris Cuomo if being gay is a choice, Carson replied “absolutely”.

“Because a lot of people who go into prison go into prison straight — and when they come out, they’re gay. So, did something happen while they were in there? Ask yourself that question.”

There is no research to back up Carson’s assertion.

Carson, who formed a presidential exploratory committee earlier this year, said that while he supports gay rights, he does not support same-sex marriage.

“Why do gay people want to get married? Why do they say they want to get married? Because they want to have various rights — property rights, visitation rights,” he said.

“Why can’t any two human beings, I don’t care what their sexual orientation is, why can’t they have the legal right to do those things? That does not require changing the definition of marriage.”

After online outrage, Carson walked those comments back, saying:

“I realised that my choice of language does not reflect fully my heart on gay issues.”

“I do not pretend to know how every individual came to their sexual orientation. I regret that my words to express that concept were hurtful and divisive. For that I apologise unreservedly to all that were offended,” he added.

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