Religious right circling the wagons around Michele Bachmann

Michele Bachmann

The controversy over presidential candidate Michele Bachmann's husband (Marcus Bachmann) and his clinic engaging in the dangerous practice of reparative therapy (attempting to convert gay men into heterosexuals) has gained an added dimension.

While Bachmann herself refuses to comment about it, several religious right figures have come out in support of not only her but her husband's practice.

However, rather than address the issue of the dangers of reparative therapy, these folks are whining that Bachmann is the "victim" of a "scorched earth" media campaign out to destroy her:

Marcus Bachmann

 Matt Barber of the Liberty Counsel - "Marcus Bachmann is providing a therapeutic service to those who struggle with same-sex attractions and who seek to get their minds around those same-sex attractions," Barber notes. "So this is nothing short of yellow journalism, and we have come to expect this kind of stuff from the left."

Peter LaBarbera of Americans for Truth - "Incredibly, ABC even went so far as to title its piece “Pray Away the Gay at Bachmann Clinic?” — recycling TWO founder Wayne Besen’s mocking and bigoted attack-slogan for the idea that people can overcome homosexual desires through faith in God."


Cliff Kincaid of Accuracy in Media - "Once a greatly feared investigative reporter, Brian Ross has been reduced to recycling left-wing material from the homosexual lobby. But the pathetic hit job he narrated on Monday’s ABC Nightline show on GOP presidential candidate Michele Bachmann has backfired in a big way. The charge was that the Bachmann family counseling service engages in terrible things by teaching homosexuals how to leave their disease-ridden lifestyle."

The Family Research Council - "The Bachmanns are unapologetic for their views on homosexuality--views that are rooted in the faith that a majority of Americans share. Apart from Washington, D.C. and homosexual interest groups, the majority of the country will view Marcus's work for what it is--a ministry of hope. Pointing men and women who struggle with same-sex attractions to God isn't "a discredited form of therapy," it's the path to sexual healing."

The irony is that none of these statements are helping Bachmann or her husband. The initial undercover investigation - done very excellently by the group Truth Wins Out - took place because Bachmann's husband was denying that his clinic engaged in reparative therapy.

If what Marcus Bachmann is doing is so beneficial, then why would he lie about it?  Apparently members of the religious right are so caught up in fighting the supposed sin of homosexuality that they give the actual sin of lying a free pass.

Perhaps Michele Bachmann advise these folks to keep their mouths shut. If they are trying to help her, they aren't succeeding.