The Christian-based group Focus on the
Family is criticizing gay-inclusive anti-bullying programs in the
public schools as gay activism in disguise.
The group's Candi Cushman told the
Denver Post that such programs conceal their true purpose.
According to Cushman, anti-bullying programs have been hijacked by
gay rights groups in an effort to impose their viewpoints on
children.
“We feel more and more that activists
are being deceptive in using anti-bullying rhetoric to introduce
their viewpoints, while the views of Christian students and parents
are increasingly belittled,” she said.
The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education
Network (GLSEN) is the nation's largest such group. It was founded
by Kevin Jennings to address the issue of discrimination based on
sexual orientation and gender identity in the public school system.
Jennings'
appointment as assistant deputy secretary for the Office of Safe and
Drug Free Schools by the Obama administration has been decried by
social conservatives.
GLSEN is current helmed by Eliza Byard,
who told the paper, “Yes, we want LGBT students afforded full
respect.”
“Bullying is a serious public health
crisis in this country, according to no less an authority than the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.”
According to a 2007 GLSEN survey, 9 out
of 10 lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender students experience
harassment.
Focus is criticizing GLSEN's 24-page
booklet Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation and Youth,
which is being distributed to all 16,000 U.S. public school
superintendents.
“The theme: Schools are only allowed
to provide one message about homosexuality – that it's normal and
should be embraced,” Focus literature says. “The publication
ends with a warning: 'Schools should be careful to avoid discussions
of transformational ministry in their curriculum.'”
Focus on the Family continues to be
attached to its former “ex-gay” conference Love
Won Out. Last year, Exodus International, whose motto is
“Freedom from homosexuality though the power of Jesus Christ,”
acquired the traveling workshop that attempts to “cure” gay
people.
Such therapies have been labeled
harmful by the American Psychological Association (APA).