Republican congressman Allen West has been making headlines with his anti-gay stance. West told the South Florida Sun Sentinel: “I can't change my color. People can change their sexual behavior. And I've seen people do that. I like chocolate chip ice cream and I will continue to like chocolate chip ice cream. So there's no worry about me changing to vanilla. I like to, you know, ride my motorcycle. What do you want me to do? You want me to change my behavior and ride a scooter? I'm not into that,” implying that being gay is a choice.
West was already under fire for declining to defend previous remarks at a Wilton Manors forum, which turned into a rally attended by more than 100 people. Activist Stuart Milk was the featured speaker and said the LGBT community would not tolerate West's “hatred.”
West said he opposes gay marriage but is okay with civil unions for gay couples. He doesn't object to gay couples adopting children.
