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WATCH: Rick Perry backtracks from endorsing anti-gay 'reparative therapy'

"I respect whatever they want to do in California or New York for that matter," Perry says.

By Matt Bradwell

AUSTIN, Texas, June 16 (UPI) -- Texas Republican governor Rick Perry is backing off controversial remarks he made comparing homosexuality to alcoholism.

Speaking to CNBC, Perry refused to "condone" homosexuality, but attempted to dial back rhetoric regarding the alleged validity of homosexual "reparative therapy."

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"I don't necessarily condone that lifestyle," Perry said.

"I don't condemn it either. We are all children of God, and the fact is that people will decide where they want to live if Washington will respect the 10th Amendment."

The 10th Amendment is the foundational legal precedent for the states' rights to govern independently of the federal government.

Perry further rationalized his statements under the guise of states' rights, saying, "The interesting thing for me is that this conversation has always been about the states' rights to make decisions on this host of issues.

"I respect whatever they want to do in California or New York for that matter."

When pressed if he believes homosexuality is a choice, Perry deflected, saying he's not the authority on such matters.

"I don't know, we'll leave that to the psychologists."

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Homosexual reparative therapy has been discredited by both the American Psychological Association and the American Medical Association and is legally considered child abuse in some states.

Perry was asked his opinion on the issue after the Republican Party of Texas drew national criticism for adding language to the official party platform endorsing the fringe practice.

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