Gov. Perry: I ‘Stepped Right in It’ With Gay-Alcoholism Comparison Remarks

WASHINGTON (AP) — Texas Governor Rick Perry says it was a mistake for him to compare alcoholism and homosexuality in an effort to explain his views.

Perry said Thursday at a forum hosted by The Christian Science Monitor that he "stepped right in it" after being asked during a trip to California last week if homosexuality is a disorder.

Perry said at the time that if he had the "genetic coding" to be an alcoholic, he still has the choice not to drink. He told the Commonwealth Club of California that he looks "at the homosexual issue as the same way."

The governor, a potential Republican candidate for president, explained Thursday that tolerance should be extended to all groups.

He says he should have kept focused on the importance of creating jobs.