Trump’s Secretary of State nominee Mike Pompeo refuses to say whether he thinks being gay is a ‘perversion’

Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was grilled during a confirmation hearing about his outspoken views on homosexuality.

Pompeo, who has a long record of anti-LGBT stances as a lawmaker, is President Trump’s nominee to replace the outgoing Rex Tillerson as head of the State Department.

Democratic Senator Cory Booker challenged Pompeo over his views during a tense confirmation session in the Senate on Thursday, interrogating him over why he previously described being gay is “a perversion.”

Quoting Pompeo’s past comments, Booker said: “You said in a speech … warning an America that endorses a perversion and calls it an alternative lifestyle. Those are your words. Is being gay a perversion?”

Pompeo squirmed but ultimately failed to answer the question.

He said: “Senator, when I was a politician, I had a very clear view on whether it was appropriate for two same-sex persons to marry. I stand by that.”

Asked if he stands by his beliefs on marriage, Pompeo says: “Senator, I continue to hold that view. It’s the same view.”

Booker pushed: “Do you believe that gay sex is a perversion, yes or no? Yes or no, sir, do you believe gay sex is a perversion? It’s what you said here in one of your speeches. Yes or no, do you believe gay sex is a perversion?”

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