Included in the Faith briefs recently was an item for James Dobson's Focus on the Family "all-day conference on homosexuality," for those interested in "understanding and preventing (it)." (A full-page ad from the promoters also ran in The Star. The conference was this weekend in Liberty.)
What was not mentioned is that most, if not all of Dobson's tactics have been condemned by many reputable medical, psychological and psychiatric organizations. Worse they have also left a trail of frightened and tormented victims.
In a letter to his Kansas City supporters, Dobson states that he doesn't understand why gay activists would target his group with protests since all attendees do so of their own volition. You could say that people attend these and other so-called "ex-gay" programs of "their own volition," but only if you completely discount the emotional and spiritual threats, brainwashing and intolerance these types of programs are famous for.
The continued homophobia, intolerance and spiritual violence being foisted upon thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people is unacceptable. Right-wing radicals who spread such things need to be held accountable for the torment, abuse and shame they cause gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.