Educator Suspects NEA Motives in Recognizing Ex-Homosexual Group

by Jim Brown
February 20, 2004

(AgapePress) - The National Education Association appears to have made a slight shift in its stance on homosexual issues. The powerful teachers union has officially recognized the formation of an "ExGay Educators Caucus" that objects to the NEA's promotion of homosexuality in schools.

Dr. Warren Throckmorton is associate professor of psychology and director of counseling at Grove City College in Pennsylvania. He is not exactly sure what motivated the NEA to recognize the ex-homosexual teachers group.

"It may have been part of some recognition that they had not given voice to the ex-gay message that was presented to their last convention last summer. At least one hopes there would be some willingness to hear all sides on the issue of sexual orientation," Throckmorton says.

The conservative professor refers to an incident that occurred last year, when a group called Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays (PFOX) filed a complaint against the NEA over its refusal to allow the group's exhibit at the union's annual convention. Now he suspects the NEA may be attempting to head off a public relations problem by preventing a similar controversy at this year's annual convention.

"It's certainly worthy of speculation," Throckmorton says. "There was some backlash from the fact that, not only did they not allow [PFOX] to exhibit ... but the treatment of the individuals wanting to present a change message -- the fact that sexual orientation is changeable -- the people who presented that message at last summer's convention were treated quite shabbily."

Throckmorton says it remains to be seen whether the ex-homosexual teachers group will be allowed to set up an exhibit and distribute its literature at the 2004 convention.