American Indians do not believe people are born homosexual, a former council member for the Blackfeet Nation told Montana lawmakers on Wednesday.

Titus Upham testified against a bill that would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation. He said doing so isn't fair because gay and lesbian people choose their sexuality but Indians cannot chose who they are.

"Our position is being prostituted for their gain,'' he was quoted by The Billings Gazette as saying.

The bill would include sexual orientation as a protected group under the Montana Human Rights Act.

Get the Story:
Opponents misunderstand gay-bias bill, supporters say (The Billings Gazette 3/17)

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