Michigan enlists author of discredited study as “expert” witness in case against marriage equality

[DonViejo]

Mark Regnerus' research has been widely discredited, with even his own university distancing itself from his work

KATIE MCDONOUGH

University of Texas at Austin associate sociology professor Mark Regnerus’ research claiming that gay parenting harms children has been discredited by several major medical associations and an editor of the journal that originally published the flawed study, but that hasn’t stopped anti-LGBTQ activists and conservative politicians from using him to build their case against marriage equality.

On Monday, Regnerus was enlisted as an “expert” witness in a case challenging Michigan’s constitutional ban on equal marriage. Regnerus spoke for three hours and cited his discredited research to argue that “the most prudent thing to do [with regards to equal marriage] is wait … before making any radical moves around marriage.”

In response to his presence in the court, Regnerus’ university issued a statement distancing itself from his research and urging the public to critically “evaluate” his claims:

Dr. Regnerus’ opinions are his own. They do not reflect the views of the university. Like all faculty, he has the right to pursue his areas of research and express his point of view. We encourage the community of scholars and society as a whole to evaluate his claims.

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http://www.salon.com/2014/03/04/michigan_enlists_author_of_discredited_academic_study_as_expert_witness_in_case_against_marriage_equality/