Liberal Intolerance & The Freedom to Choose ( The Continuing Attack On Ex-Gays)

Worldnetdaily.com ^ | 9/23/2005 | Caleb Price

[SirLinksalot]

Liberal intolerance & the freedom to choose

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Posted: September 23, 2005 1:00 a.m. Eastern

By Caleb Price © 2005 WorldNetDaily.com

As recently reported on WorldNetDaily, the ongoing controversy surrounding Focus on the Family's upcoming Love Won Out conference on Oct. 29 in Boston reveals the hypocrisy of liberals who call for "tolerance" and unquestioned acceptance of "diversity" yet attempt to stifle all opposing views to their politically correct, pro-gay agenda. As a result, another liberal mantra – the freedom to choose – is denied to those seeking to walk out of unwanted homosexuality.

Apparently, in today's America, you can still Be Who You Want to Be – so long as it isn't "ex-gay."

Beyond this hypocrisy, even more troubling is the vitriol unleashed against those who dare to consider the notion that homosexuality is not an immutable characteristic. Pro-gay activists regularly charge that messages such as those shared at Love Won Out are "vile," "dangerous" and "deplorable." Much of their most virulent rhetoric is saved for the debate over the cause of homosexuality.

At best, the evidence for a genetic basis to homosexuality is inconclusive. Even the authors of the recent pheromone and fruit fly studies urge caution in interpreting their work as "proof" of inevitable homosexual behavior based on biological or genetic circumstances.

Indeed, the current consensus in the scientific community – even the left-leaning American Psychological Association – is that homosexuality is likely caused by a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social-environmental factors.

While many homosexuals have come to the conclusion that they were "born gay," there exists a surprising and not insignificant minority of gays and lesbians who recognize that sexual orientation is, in fact, quite changeable.

For example, Kate Kendall, director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, argues in the gay magazine Frontiers that sexual orientation is not fixed. Lesbian author Camille Paglia argues that homosexuality is not normal and that it is an adaptation – not an inborn trait.

Apparently, the reality that people can change their sexual identity isn't just a right-wing Christian thing.

While no one knows for sure what causes homosexuality, recent research confirms that permanent change is indeed possible. Pro-gay ally Dr. Robert Spitzer of Columbia University is now convinced that many homosexuals have successfully changed their sexual orientation. In 2001, he published results from a five-year study of 200 gay men and lesbians who had sought "re-orientation" therapy. Spitzer found that most have been able to achieve fulfilling heterosexual relationships.

While his research shows that such change often involves a difficult and long journey, it is nevertheless possible for highly motivated individuals.

Clearly, pro-gay activists aren't dealing with all the evidence in their insistence that people are born gay and cannot change. In presenting an orthodox Christian viewpoint on this complex topic, Love Won Out educates attendees on the issues and provides hope to those who seek change in their sexual identity and to those whose loved ones are gay-identified. In presenting the truth about homosexuality with compassion, the conference message is centered in the redemptive and restorative love of Jesus for all people – gay and straight.

In America we are blessed with constitutional freedoms safeguarding expression of speech and religion. This includes the freedom to make choices about how we define ourselves, while stewarding our sexuality as we see fit.

The use of intolerant bullying tactics by gay activists in front of churches like Tremont Temple in Boston is yet another example of how the liberal left attempts to silence and discredit those with differing viewpoints – revealing a cruel disregard for individual, civil and human rights.

If people want to change their sexual identity, it is their right to choose.

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Caleb H. Price is a former homosexual who serves as a research analyst at Focus on the Family. He holds a Masters of Arts in Exegetical Theology.

[SirLinksalot]

Diversity is celebrated but some diversity are more acceptable than others, it seems.

Does anyone believe that one can be an ex-gay ? Or is it the fact that they are still tempted but simply suppressing it ?

[worldclass]

I was just about to post this myself. A most excellent article. While many homosexuals have come to the conclusion that they were "born gay," there exists a surprising and not insignificant minority of gays and lesbians who recognize that sexual orientation is, in fact, quite changeable. For example, Kate Kendall, director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, argues in the gay magazine Frontiers that sexual orientation is not fixed. Lesbian author Camille Paglia argues that homosexuality is not normal and that it is an adaptation – not an inborn trait.

[ExcursionGuy84]

I've heard & seen Sy Rogers, a former Transvestite, give his life testimony at my church [Calvary CHapel of Fort Lauderdale].

He's really insightful, deep and (though a short fellow) a real spiritual giant with regards to GOD'S WORD.

[massgopguy]

I knew a singer and guitar player that went through a Lesbian Chic phase. They were both doing a lot of coke back then and decided to get clean. Guess what followed? They broke up and one became Born Again. Both are married to men and moved away.
This is the nightmare of those who are striving for the recognition of a Gay Race.

[SirLinksalot]

Excellent observation.

However, one question comes to mind -- what does change-able mean ? Does it mean no more sexual attraction towards persons of the same sex ? Or does it simply mean sheer will power ?

Even in heterosexuality we have an analogous problem. There are men who are married but still promiscous. They eventually see the light as a result of religious conversion and now become either celibate or monogamous, but I doubt that temptation to be promiscous is gone.

This could be the same case with ex-gays... I don't know, I am just curious as to what "change" means for ex-gays.

[Sergio]

Genetics and homosexuality was explained to me like this.

Offspring get their genetic make up from both (male and female) parents. If people are born gay, that is, genetically predisposed to a relationship that cannot naturally produce children, that genetic trait is not passed on. IOW, from a genetic standpoint, a gay gene would soon go extinct from it's inherent inability to pass itself to future generations.

Of course there can still be genetic aberrations or mutations.

I may be wrong, and others will correct me if I am, but this is how I understand it to be.

Best regards

Sergio

[kallisti]

Absent physical genetic evidence to the contrary, I believe it's a software problem.

[SirLinksalot]

<<<
I believe it's a software problem.
>>>

How do they fix the bug ? And how do they know that the bug has been completely fixed ?

Has the debugged software gone through various testing scenarios ?

[kallisti]

Programming and Metaprogramming in the Human Biocomputer aside (sorry, John Lilly flashback), there are various means for reprogramming. Apparently some have gone this route, I'd guess they would know if it worked. Testing scenarios would be a way to know.

[TAdams8591]

Absoultely. Particularly if the cause is not BIOLOGICAL but environmental as is in my opinion the case of most gays.

[TAdams8591]

Little Jeremiah!

[TAdams8591]

"Lesbian author Camille Paglia argues that homosexuality is not normal and that it is an adaptation – not an inborn trait."

I agree. I believe she's absolutely right!

[little jeremiah]

Homosexual Agenda Ping.

Nothing like the light of truth shining on this topic. It is not usually easy to change one's ways of feeling and acting. About any vice, bad habit, or emotional illness. Many of you reading this right now have changed your lives for the better. Homosexuals can too. The first link takes to to "I Do Exist" with personal stories of former homosexulas, the second link also has personal stories and a lot of background on the causes of homoseuxality. If you haven't read either website, I urge you do to do and pass the information along.

Freepmail me if you want on/off this pinglist. Oh, freepmail DirtyHarryY2K too - he's escaping the hurricane right now and would appreciate your prayers.

http://www.drthrockmorton.com/idoexist.asp

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1420619/posts
Root Causes, Homosexual Consequences

[gidget7]

""Clearly, pro-gay activists aren't dealing with all the evidence in their insistence that people are born gay and cannot change.""



CLEARLY, pro-homosexual activists aren't PLAYING WITH A FULL DECK!

[SirLinksalot]

<<<<
Thousands of homosexuals leave their gayness behind.
>>>>

This figure is something new to me. I know of a few dozen, but thousands ? WOW. Where did you determine that figure ?

Also, are there no cases of relapse at all ?

[Question_Assumptions]

What I'm still trying to figure out is how liberals think that homosexuality can be inborn and that some people can be transexuals who have a sexual identity that doesn't match their biological identity while, at the same time, they deny that there are any inborn differences between men and women or any significant behavioral differences between the two. They believe that all behavior is cultural except when it comes to homosexuality and transexuals.

[ExcursionGuy84]

CLEARLY, pro-homosexual activists aren't PLAYING WITH A FULL DECK

That's 'cause they threw out the Queens (of Club, SPades, Heart & Diamond) when they decided to go "same-gender" choice.

[tuesday afternoon]

Here's an example of a lesbian who went straight: Homosexual Civil Union, Divorce and the Fate of a 3 Year Old

[pjd]

Why is it that gays don't have a problem believing in sexual orientation change when it is a heterosexual changing to homosexual? But at the mention of a homosexual changing to heterosexual, they claim that orientation cannot be changed.

The concept of change is anathema to homosexuals for at least two reasons. If homosexuality is a choice or influenced by environment, then straight people would have a reasonable argument why homosexuals shouldn't lead their children. Also, if it is a choice, then their legal status as a protected group is threatened. It is, essentially, a do or die issue for homosexual activists. EVERYTHIN hinges on it.