Florida Republican candidate criticized after claiming animals prove people are 'born straight'

A Republican congressional candidate in Florida is facing criticism after using animals to argue that people are not born gay and that everyone is “born straight.”

Rod Joseph made the comments during an editorial board interview with the South Florida Sun-Sentinel on 8 July. He said: “You cannot be born gay. That’s impossible biologically. Sexual preference from the Roman Empire to date, it’s always a preference,” adding that LGBTQ+ people are influenced or indoctrinated in some way to be anything other than straight.

Joseph supported his position by referring to wildlife, saying: “Look at the natural habitat. You never see a lion that mate(s) with a male lion for life. You never see a giraffe, a male giraffe, that mate(s) with a giraffe…. Myself right now saying I am a giraffe, that doesn’t mean it’s true.”

His remarks came in response to a question about Rep. Andy Ogles’ Pride Month post, in which Ogles wrote at the start of the month that “Homosexuality has no place in America”.

Scientists have documented same-sex sexual behaviour in more than 1,500 animal species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and insects. Researchers have also observed same-sex courtship, pair bonding and sexual behaviour in species ranging from lions and giraffes to penguins, dolphins and bonobos, according to a 2009 University of California study.

While the biological origins of sexual orientation remain an area of ongoing research, major medical and psychological organisations say being lesbian, gay or bisexual is not considered a choice or disorder.

Joseph’s comments drew criticism from fellow Republican candidate Lateresa “LA” Jones, who said: “I don’t know how God made people. I do not,” and added, “I pray that we become a nation where we embrace people for who God created them to be.”

Democratic candidate Elijah Manley, the only out gay candidate in the race, also condemned the remarks, calling them “incredibly ignorant”. He said: “You’re born the way you are,” and added that Joseph was “also wrong about animals”.

The exchange highlights how anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric continues to surface in campaign politics, even as scientific and medical consensus rejects the idea that sexual orientation is simply a matter of choice.

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