America shook its head in collective disgust after hearing Republican congressman Mark Foley engaged in inappropriate online conversations with a 16-year-old boy.

Then came the excuses. He has alcohol problems and “behavior problems” — the latter should be blatantly obvious — and he was molested by a priest as a child.

But then came an “excuse” that can be described either as idiotic, selfish or both.

“Mark Foley wants you to know that he is a gay man,” the Florida congressman’s lawyer told reporters last week.

Foley’s sexual orientation is of no concern to us; that he disclosed the information after being linked to the inappropriate contact with a minor is.

Foley’s admission further solidifies the prejudiced view that homosexuals are sexual predators, pedophiles and general threats to society.

Why did Foley feel it necessary to reveal his sexual orientation when he was drawing so much criticism? Did he hope to pass his guilt off to the gay community, offer an excuse or even hope that his revelation would make his behavior seem more normal?

Whatever his intent was, he has harmed the gay community with the timing of his admission.

In 2003, Foley was forced to drop out of a senate race after rumors spread that he was gay.

Foley’s response? The idea was “revolting and unforgivable.”

Well Mark, the only things we see as revolting and unforgivable are your continued lies, behavior and disdainful betrayal of your own community to gain temporary relief from negative press.