Dr. Ben Carson, director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md., maintained his opposition to same-sex marriage this past Friday, but also apologized for previous comments he made on the subject, which Carson argues were misinterpreted by many as comparing same-sex marriage to bestiality or pedophilia.

Carson offered a "sincere and heartfelt" apology for his previous comments in a Friday email reportedly addressed to the Johns Hopkins community.

"There are many lessons to be learned when venturing into the political world and this is one I will not forget," Carson said in the email, according to New York Magazine. more >>

Over the weekend, Republican Illinois State Rep. Ed Sullivan Jr. voiced his support for the legalization of same-sex marriage in the state, joining fellow House Republican Ron Sandack in publicly supporting same-sex marriage.

Sullivan, who represents the 51st District in the state's House of Representatives as well as the chairman for the House Republican campaign organization, said in a recent interview that he has decided to support same-sex marriage based on personal reasons.

"This issue for me […] goes to the core of fairness – marriage equality for all people. I think it is in line with […] what I believe, and I personally believe it is in line with what our party believes, and that's trying to treat people with fairness," Sullivan said Sunday as reported by the Chicago Tribune. more >>

Long-time evangelical Left leader Jim Wallis, founder and CEO of Sojourners, has changed his position on government recognition of same-sex marriage. He announced his support in a Friday interview with The Huffington Post.

Wallis said he is worried about the decline of marriage and wants to strengthen it, but believes that same-sex couples should be included in that endeavor.

"I think we should include same-sex couples in that renewal of marriage, [but] I want to talk marriage first," Wallis said. "Marriage needs some strengthening. Let's start with marriage, and then I think we have to talk about, now, how to include same-sex couples in that deeper understanding of marriage. I want a deeper commitment to marriage that is more and more inclusive, and that's where I think the country is going." more >>

Please file this under "More Reasons to be Careful of Internet 'Reporting'."

A few internet articles empowered by social media last week proclaimed California Democrat Jackie Speier wants to federalize a state law to prohibit counseling to change a person's sexual orientation.

Under the bill's language, a mental health counselor could be sanctioned if there was an attempt to get a gay individual to change his or her behavior or speak negatively about their behavior as it relates to sexuality. more >>

Ocean Grove N.J., a one square mile town along the North Jersey seashore, is known for its state and national historic designation as having the largest aggregate of Victorian and early 20th century structures in America. Founded in 1869 during the holiness movement by a group of ministers and friends, its mission is to establish a permanent Christian camp meeting community with the purpose of providing opportunities for spiritual birth, growth, and renewal through worship, education, cultural, and recreational programs for persons of all ages in a Christian seaside setting.

While much has changed since its founding in 1869, much remains the same. The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, a Christian ministry organization, owns all of the land in Ocean Grove and leases it to homeowners and businesses for 99-year renewable terms. It's still a dry town and the beach is still closed on Sunday mornings. 114 tents, which are occupied from May to September, continue to frame the Great Auditorium just as they have done since 1869.

However, a drive through the town of historic Victorian homes reveals more than latticed rooftops and widow's peaks. On many homes hang blue flags with yellow equal signs, which indicate support for same-sex couples being allowed to have civil union ceremonies on Camp Meeting Association property, such as the boardwalk pavilion. Historically, the pavilion has been used for bible studies, church services, gospel choir performances, and weddings. more >>

A couple weeks after a major Tex-Mex fast food chain opted to remove its support from a Boy Scouts event over the group's national ban on gay members, a spokesman says the business stands by its decision.

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., which had previously been a supporter of the Utah chapter of the Boy Scouts, decided to remove its support for the upcoming "Scout-O-Rama" event in May.

Chris Arnold, communications director for Chipotle, told The Christian Post Friday that the Boy Scouts' national policy against gay membership go contrary to the stated policies of the fast food company. more >>