Ben Carson says there’s nothing contradictory about his gay marriage views

Dr. Ben Carson was lauded by the right and castigated by the left for his response to a question about how he, as an opponent of same-sex marriage, could serve on the board of Costco, the bulk warehouse retailer that is regarded as gay-friendly because of policies such as domestic-partner benefits.

Carson argued during Wednesday night's Republican presidential debate in Boulder, Colo., that the two positions are not mutually exclusive.

“I believe that our Constitution protects everybody, regardless of their sexual orientation or any other aspect. I also believe that marriage is between one man and one woman. And there is no reason that you can't be perfectly fair to the gay community,” Carson said. “They shouldn't automatically assume that because you believe that marriage is between one man and one woman that you are a homophobe.”

He called such an assumption a divisive myth perpetuated by the left.

“This is how they frighten people and get people to shut up,” Carson said. “You know, that's what the PC culture is all about, and it's destroying this nation.”

Here are a few of the reactions:

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