Denied Access to PTA Gathering, PFOX Stages Alternative Conference
by Jim Brown
June 23, 2005
(AgapePress) - An organization that supports and encourages former homosexuals has been barred from the 2005 National Parent Teacher Association Convention. However, the ex-homosexual advocacy group will be holding a "counter-conference" on Friday (June 24), addressing school safety and sexual orientation from a pro-family perspective.
"Respect and the Facts: How to Have Both in School" is the theme of the conference put on by Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays (PFOX). The group was denied a bid to exhibit at this year's national PTA convention in Columbus, Ohio, even though the pro-homosexual activist group Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) was invited to exhibit at no charge.
Among the scheduled highlights of the PFOX "counter-conference" are prominent conservative speakers and experts, including psychologist Dr. Warren Throckmorton of Grove City College and Greg Quinlan of the Pro-Family Network. Also, Bully Police state director Misty Cole will speak on why defining special victim groups and categories does not curtail bullying, and conference participants will have a chance to see the documentary Is Change Possible?, which deals with sexual orientation.
Donna Lawlor is a PTA member, but also a PFOX Mid-Central state representative and the wife of a man who left the homosexual lifestyle. She says PFOX will be offering a far different perspective from the one the PTA is presenting on school bullying and safety issues.
"We are doing these things for school children nationally," the PFOX regional spokeswoman points out, "because we want to give children access to information. The truth and the facts -- that's going to resonate -- not opinions, not feelings and emotions, but teaching children the facts."
Lawlor says if the PTA truly valued tolerance and diversity, it would acknowledge that former homosexuals actually do exist and would welcome PFOX's input. However, she feels the PTA does not want teachers and students to learn how to address homophobia in public schools from an ex-homosexual perspective.
Jim Brown, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is a reporter for American Family Radio News, which can be heard online.
