On Telling Children to Play in the Traffic

To tell a child to play in the traffic would be considered a criminal offense.  Parents who would engage in this advice would have their children taken by the state.

However, this is essentially the dangerous advice that is being directed toward children by homosexual activists and 'politically correct' educators who seek to portray homosexuality to children as an equally acceptable lifestyle.

QUEERING ELEMENTARY EDUCATION 

In the early 1990's the gay agenda sought to promote tolerance of the gay/lesbian lifestyles in the public schools, pushing the schools to promote these lifestyles as equal to heterosexuality.  Under the guidance of its' founder, Kevin Jennings, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) registered more than 4,000 Gay-Straight Alliance clubs on junior and senior high school campuses. 1.

Kevin Jennings wrote the forward to the book, Queering Elementary Education: Advancing the Dialogue About Sexualities and School.  This book includes essays from gay and lesbian educators that advocate teaching acceptance of homosexuality, even in elementary school and kindergarten.

When President Obama was making appointments to government positions, he appointed Kevin Jennings as the Assistant Deputy Secretary for Education, heading the Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools. 2.

Condoms, with a 14% failure rate, are handed out freely in schools, even at the junior high level with the implication that sex will be 'safe' if you 'protect' yourself with a condom.  3.

However, questions need to be raised at all levels about the wisdom of the normalization of homosexual behaviors, especially among the young. 

THE FACTS RELATED TO THE HOMOSEXUAL LIFESTYLE TELL A DANGEROUS STORY.

Reports from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirm that homosexual behaviors, especially those involving men having sex with men,  are extraordinarily more dangerous than heterosexual behaviors.

SYPHILIS AND ANAL CANCER INCREASE.

Sexually transmitted diseases have been increasing among gay and bisexual men.  Syphilis was a disease that was on the verge of elimination.  In 2001 it re-emerged as a public health threat because of a resurgence of the disease among men who have sex with men (MSM).  In 2008 there were 13,500 reported cases of primary and secondary syphilis.  MSM accounted for 63% of these syphilis cases in the United States.

"Men who have sex with men are 17 times more likely to develop anal cancer than heterosexual men.  Men who are HIV-positive are even more likely than those who are uninfected to develop anal cancer." 4.

DEATHS FROM HIV/AIDS

The HIV/AIDS virus is primarily spread by men having sex with men.  Blacks are particularly represented in this health epidemic.   A study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association (2008) documented that "Forty-five percent of infections were among black individuals and 53% among men who have sex with men."  5.

The estimated numbers of AIDS diagnoses, deaths, and persons living with AIDS, cumulative from the beginning of the epidemic (1981) through 2007, were reported  by the Center for Disease Control  and Prevention as 562,793 deaths from AIDS and 1,018,428 AIDS diagnoses.  6.

***HIV CASES INCREASE AMONG YOUTH.

While the number of new HIV cases remained relatively stable at 50,000 new cases each year "the number of new cases among people aged 13-29 years increased by 21% from 2006 to 2009.  The rise in HIV incidence among young adults was fueled by a 34 percent increase in HIV infections among young gay and bisexual men.  7.

STUDIES CONFIRM DANGEROUS SEXUAL BEHAVIORS

The Gay Report  8.

The Gay Report was published in 1979 by two homosexual researchers, feminist Karla Jay and journalist Allan Young.  The 850 page report summarized responses from 5,400 lesbians and gay men who completed a 16 page questionnaire about their sexual behaviors.  When the report was published, it was hailed as the "first comprehensive survey of the homosexual community."

The Gay Report was modeled after informal sex surveys in popular magazines of the 1970's and 1980's which encouraged readers to report their sexual activities.  The Gay Report was a similar survey of gays and lesbians.  While the report does not represent a scientifically designed sample - the responses represent only a small percentage of gays - the respondents and the authors of the study were surprisingly candid in describing behaviors and depicting a sexually-active society.

"35% of respondents admitted to having had 100 or more sexual partners throughout their lives...59% had taken part in orgies or group sex.  38% had partaken of sadomasochistic practices at least once"  9.

"Around 99% of homosexual males engage in oral sex; 91% engage in anal sex; 82% engage in 'rimming', touching the anus of one's partner with one's tongue and inserting the tongue into the anus;  22% engage in 'fisting', inserting one's fist into the rectum of the partner, 23% engage in 'golden showers', urinating on each other..."  10.

The responses to the survey were startling and the book became a popular resource for those concerned about the movement in society to normalize homosexual behaviors.

RISKY BEHAVIORS CAUSE CONCERN.  11.

Studies describing health risks associated with homosexual practices were highlighted in the June 2003 edition of the Journal of the American Public Health.  Bad news was reported in one article after another.

Beryl A. Koblan and associates reported on alarming data from Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York, San Francisco and Seattle involving HIV-negative homosexual men who reported engaging in anal sex with one or more partners in the previous year.  Among 4,295 men, 48% reported unprotected receptive anal sex and 54.9%  reported unprotected insertive anal sex.   Drug and alcohol use were significantly associated with unprotected anal sex.

A study by Daniel H. Ciccarone and associates indicated that sex without disclosure of HIV status is common among persons living with HIV.  Their study reported that 45,300 gay or bisexual men, 8,000 heterosexual men and 7,500 women who were HIV infected, were also engaging in sex without disclosure of their HIV status.

A U.S. metropolitan study of six sites reported that 93% of African American men who were HIV infected did not know they had the virus.  This study by David J. Malebranche contradicted the view that 'coming out' is associated with better mental health, responsible behavior and lower rates of HIV infection.  African-American men who disclosed their homosexuality had a higher HIV prevalence (24%) and engaged in more unprotected anal sex (41%) than those who did not disclose (14% and 32% respectively).

J. Michael Bailey discussed the research on homosexuality and mental illness in the Archives of General Psychiatry.  He concluded that "Homosexual people are at substantially higher risk for some forms of emotional problems, including suicidality, major depression and anxiety disorder".

This conclusion was corroborated by a large, well-conducted study from the Netherlands that was published in Archives of Psychiatry, 2001.  The Dutch society is recognized as one of the most gay tolerant in the world.  Yet the risk for mental illness by those engaging in homosexuality is significantly higher than among heterosexuals in that country.

LIFE EXPECTANCY REDUCED 12.

A study published in 1997 examined vital statistics data for a large Canadian urban center from 1987 to 1992.  "The main outcome measures of interest were age-specific patterns of death, life expectancy, and life expectancy lost due to HIV/AIDS at exact age 20 years, and the probability of living from age 20 to 65 years."  Three groups were studied with proportions of gay and bisexual men of 3%, 6% and 9%.

Results confirmed that "age-specific mortality was significantly higher for gay and bisexual men than all men aged 30-44.  Life expectancy at age 20 for gay and bisexual men ranged from 34.0 years to 46.3 years for the 3% and 9% scenarios respectively.  These were lower than the 54.3 year life expectancy at 20 for all men."  It was concluded that "life expectancy at age 20 is 8 to 20 years less than for all men" and that nearly half of gay and bisexual men aged 20 would not reach their 65th birthday.

This study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, concluded that "under even the most liberal assumptions, gay and bisexual men in this urban centre are now experiencing a life expectancy similar to that experienced by all men in Canada in the year 1871." 

FACING THE FACTS

The  facts related to health concerns of homosexual behaviors demonstrate dangers as significant as smoking and drinking.

We are being asked, even required, to accept the normalization of homosexual behaviors in our society.  Schools are teaching the acceptance of these behaviors to our children in the name of tolerance.  However the dangerous facts related to consequences are swept under the rug.

Facts do not cease to exist just because they are ignored.  Dangerous facts ignored return to destroy.

If we cannot face the facts and protect our children from dangerous behaviors, our future and our children's futures will be stabbed in the back by our carelessness.

PROTECTING THE CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL ABUSE

"...we now live in a sexually tolerant society whose members are willing to live and let live.  But one idea remains sacrosanct.  In all public discourse, agreement exists that children are to be kept innocent of the sexual interests of adults, because they will be inevitably and irreparably damaged if exposed to them." 13.

"Passing out condoms to teenagers is like issuing squirt guns for a four-alarm blaze.  Condoms just don't hack it.  We should stop kidding ourselves."  14.

A  responsible society must protect the children from behaviors that will endanger them. Childhood is a time to learn directions for living and growing into mature citizens and healthy and responsible adults.

To teach children that homosexual behaviors are equivalent to heterosexual behaviors jeopardizes their ability to move into responsible heterosexual and family relationships.

Children have neither the maturity nor background to understand and evaluate this information.

To teach children that dangerous sexual behaviors are normative and acceptable behaviors is equivalent to sexual child abuse.



REFERENCES:
1. GLSEN. "Our Mission, Our History". http://www.glsen/org/chi-bin/iowa/all/about/history/index.html.  
    1/21/2012.
2.  Lucas, Fred.  "Obama's Safe Schools Czar Advocated 'Queering Elementary Education'"
     www.cnsnews.com/node/56196.  October 27, 2009.
3.  Workshop Summary: Scientific Evidence on Condom Effectiveness for Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
     June 12-13, 2000. http://www.3.nlaid.nih.gov/about/organization/dmid/PDF/condomreport.
4.  "Sexually Transmitted Diseases." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
     www.cdcgov/msmhealth/STD.htm.  August 7, 2012.
5.  "Estimation of HIV Incidence in the United States".  JAMA - The Journal of the American Medical
     Association.  http://jama.ama-asso.org/cgi/content/short/300/5/520.
6.  "HIV/AIDS in the United States"  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  October 17, 2009.
     www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/us.htm.
7.  "HIV/AIDS"  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  www.cdc.gov/msmhealth/HIV.htm.
     August 7, 2012.
8.  Burroway, Jim.  "The Gay Report".  Box Turtle Bulletin. October 15, 2006.
     www.boxturtlebulletin.com/Articles/000,005.htm.
     Fox, F. Earle.  "The Homosexual Debate - in the Public Arena."
     http://www.earstohear.net/Separation/facts.html. Page 11.  10/18/2009.
9.  Ibid, Burroway, Jim
10.Ibid. Fox, F. Earle
11. Byrd, A. Dean.  "The American Journal of Public Health Highlights Risks of Homosexual
      Practices."  NARTH.  http://www.narth.com/docs/risks.html. 1/10/2010.
12. Hogg,R.S., S.A.Strathdee, K.J. Craib, M.V.O'Shaughnessy, J.S. Montaner and M.T.Schecter.
      "Modelling the impact of HIV disease on mortality in gay and bisexual men."  International
      Journal of Epidemiology (1997) 26 (3): 657-661. www.ije.oxfordjournals.org/content/26/3/657.
      abstract.
13. Ericksen, Julia.  "Sexual liberation's last frontier."  Society. Vol. 37, No. 4 (May/June) 2000:22.
14. Quotation by Dr. Robert C. Noble of the University of Kentucky. Quoted in: "Pastoral letter
      chides safe sex stance." by Bishop Rene H. Gracida. Laredo Morning Times. Nov. 23, 1991.
      Editorial page.

Summarizing the Second Year of Concerns

At the end of March 2010, 'Concerning This' celebrated it's second year of discussion and comment on social issues that create social problems. In his book, Contemporary Social Problems, Vincent Parrillo defined four elements of a social problem.

Elements of a Social Problem: 1.

1. They cause physical or mental damage to individuals or society.

2. They offend the values or standards of some powerful segment of society.

3. They persist for an extended period of time.

4. They generate competing proposed solutions.

* FIRST YEAR ENTRIES

The first year of blog entries in 'Concerning This' was summarized in the entry of March 27, 2009. These discussions dealt with social concerns related to the breakdown of the family, sexually transmitted diseases, pornography, secularization of society, euthanasia, abortion, and movements toward reproductive technologies, homosexuality and socialism.

* SECOND YEAR ENTRIES

Summaries of discussion from May 5, 2009 through this entry are listed here.

A Mother's Day Tribute - May 5,2009

Mom wrote poetry to express her thoughts and feelings. She passed away at 89 after passing on a rich heritage of love to her children and grandchildren. Six of her poems are included, ending with her ode to 'Night'.... "Listen, my soul, To the silence of peace, Enveloping night in it's lazy release."

Obama, Socialism, Jewish Influence and the Threatened Family - June 17, 2009

Pastor Jeremiah Wright and James von Brunn, who killed a security guard at the Holocaust Museum, both accuse President Obama of being influenced by Jewish socialism. A San Antonio Express News columnist, Jonathan Gurwitz, dismisses them as 'nutjobs on the left and right'. I reproduce my guest column that was printed in The Ithaca Journal on December 7, 1976. I wrote this article, titled "The Nuclear Family: Is It Threatened by Science?", as a graduate student at Cornell University. I express concerns related to ideas expressed by Dr. Urie Bronfenbrenner, a Jewish professor of Human Ecology, who was at that time actively promoting a movement toward socialism.

Health Care Reform Begins at Home - July 2, 2009

Each of us makes decisions about our physical and psychological health and wellness. Lifestyle choices related to eating, exercise, cleanliness, drinking, smoking, drug use, reckless driving, sexual behaviors, and family relationships can create personal illness and injury. Health and wellness begins with us and our personal choices.

Keys to Loving Family Relationships - January 10, 2010

Loving relationships within the family lay a foundation for personal health and wellness. The family is the unique organization in which we become whole in our relationships. This wholeness requires that we grow in the graces of faithfulness, patience, forgiveness and self-control. Four keys that help unlock healthy relationships in our families include: Positive communication, Money management, Conflict resolution and Attitudes of gratitude.

The Gay Battle for Social Reorganization of America - January 29, 2010

The movement to bring homosexual behavior into social acceptance is challenging every social institution with fundamental change, including the government and legal systems, educational systems, the professional health industry, corporations, religious organizations, the institution of marriage and family, the media, and the military. This entry introduces the discussions that examine the social problems introduced by this struggle.

(2) Reforming Education - February 3, 2010

In 1974 the National Education Association added 'sexual orientation' to its resolution on nondiscriminatory personnel policies. The normalization of homosexuality became politically correct in academic and educational settings. At the elementary level students are informed of the five gender orientations: male, female, gay, lesbian, and bisexual. Challengers are intimidated and silenced. Groups supporting traditional family values organize to oppose the gay takeover of educational institutions.

(3) The Professional Health Establishment - February 9, 2010

In 1973 the American Psychiatric Association, under duress from a homosexual faction in the group, voted to strike homosexuality from the list of psychiatric illnesses. Only one-third of the membership was involved in the decision. When the organization made it a violation for a psychiatrist to help a homosexual patient become heterosexual even at the patient's request, therapists who help homosexuals change and ex-homosexuals threatened to file a lawsuit.

Christian groups, including Exodus and Love Won Out organized to minister to those who struggle with unwanted same-sex attractions.

(4) Politics of GRID-HIV/AIDS - February 13, 2010

HIV/AIDS was first recognized in the United States in 1981 when homosexual men were breaking out with a rare, ugly cancer, Kaposi's Sarcoma. This wasting disease was known then as GRID, "gay-related immune disorder". Unexpectedly the gay community's first priority was to protect the homosexual lifestyle as a normal and safe way of life. Homosexual activists moved to rename the disease to AIDS, "acquired immune deficiency syndrome", although gay related anal intercourse and promiscuity created and continues to preserve the American reservoir for HIV/AIDS. AIDS was politicized from the start.

(5) Safe Sex Becomes Seductive - February 19, 2010

Condoms are being distributed around the world as the solution to casual sexual behaviors in preventing pregnancies and STD's. However, the typical use failure rate of condoms is 14%, accounting for inconsistent and incorrect use as well as breakage and slippage. Life expectancy for gay and bisexual men is compromised by perhaps 20 years. Through 2007, the cumulative estimated deaths from AIDS in the United States was 562,793. Syphilis has reemerged as a public health threat because of male homosexuality. Anal cancer is a particular concern.

(6) Gays Confront the Media - March 1, 2010

Three years after the 1969 Stonewall Riots, representation on prime time TV became a symbolic target. Gays working in the TV industry were 'agents' who leaked information to activists about upcoming episodes in which gays were depicted negatively. Hostile and confrontational meetings ensued. Gay activists were invited by TV executives to comment on scripts dealing with homosexuality. In the 70's, more and more gay characters appeared on prime-time TV with the aim to educate the public to accept gay people and their lifestyles.

(7) Gay Demographics - March 7, 2010

Gays are estimated to exceed 18 million in the U.S. A large majority have disposable incomes above the national average with many holding professional positions in society. Marketing to the gay community has developed into a lucrative endeavor.

Gays are not randomly distributed. The 2000 Census reports that one-quarter of same-sex households were located in five urban areas: New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington D.C., and Chicago.

(8) Gays in the Corporations - March 10, 2010

Corporations recognized that singles without family ties were able to dedicate time to their jobs and were free to travel around the country. Employee associations developed in corporate America to lobby for gay rights. By 1995, more than 60 American companies had lesbian, gay and bisexual employee groups; half of the Fortune 1000 companies had nondiscrimination policies that included sexual orientation.

When Pepsico and McDonald's became publicly and actively involved in pro-gay policies, opposing groups responded with boycotts.

(9) The Gay Agenda Battles the Military - March 14, 2010

Since 1917, American military law has outlined punishment for homosexual soldiers. In 1981 the Deputy Secretary of Defense issued a policy stating that homosexuality is incompatible with military service. President Clinton unsuccessfully sought to overturn this policy, settling for "Don't ask, don't tell". President Obama campaigned on a commitment to end the ban against gays openly serving in the military. Although Congress has moved in this direction, powerful groups continue to oppose this social agenda.

(10) Gay Reproduction - March 20, 2010

Reproductive technologies present many questions about the future of social, ethical, and family practices. In 1982 the Sperm Bank of California provided sperm to unmarried and lesbian women. Commercial egg donations and surrogacy offered the possibility for a man to create a family. In the 1990's homosexual couples began to use surrogacy in what was labeled a 'gayby' boom.

Gay activists want society to adopt a flexible definition of marriage and family. Dr. David Blankenhorn, a family scholar and founder of the Institute for American Values, argues that the rights of children are put in jeopardy. The child's right to a natural biological heritage is denied to him or her.

(11) Gay Adoption - March 25, 2010

In 2007, 65,000 adopted children were being raised in the U.S. by same-sex partners or singles and 14,100 foster children were living with one or more gay or lesbian foster parents. States differ in their laws for single gays and lesbians and same-sex couples who seek to adopt.

Opponents argue that children suffer from not having both a mother and a father. The Catholic Church has been highly involved in adoption services. Changes in legislation which prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation jeopardizes the ability of the church to continue offering family services.

(12) Moving Toward Marriage - March 27, 2010

Gay men and lesbians in steady relationships are unable to marry and obtain the legal benefits of marriage. Activists campaign for the right to marry. In 1996 Congress adopted the federal Defense of Marriage Act, defining marriage as a legal union between one man and one woman.

When the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the nation's sodomy laws in 2003, the highest court in Massachusetts ruled that same-sex marriage was permissible. A concern developed that courts would set social agendas. By 2008, 37 states had established their own Defense of Marriage Acts and 30 states had constitutional amendments protecting traditional marriage.

However, same-sex marriage was gaining acceptance. As of early 2010, 6 states and the District of Columbia allowed same-sex marriage, although no states had legalized gay marriage by referendum of the people.

(13) Gays Confront the Church - March 30, 2010

Scriptures from the Jewish Bible and the New Testament support husband/wife unions and condemn homosexual relationships. Gay activist groups challenged synagogues and churches to include homosexuals and allow them to participate without discrimination in church activities.

Fundamental groups held firm to scriptural guidance, while mainline churches, especially within the leadership of the denominations, were moving toward inclusion. Passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act would make it illegal to hire or fire persons based on sexual orientation. Religious liberties of organizations and individuals would be threatened and put in jeopardy.

(14) Politics and Beyond - April 6, 2010

Gays are becoming increasingly more visible. The Power 50: The Most Powerful Gay Men and Women in America were outed on the Out.com website. The five first choices are listed as: David Giffen, a Hollywood billionaire; Anderson Cooper, anchor of CNN News; Ellen DeGeneres, talk show host; Tim Gill, the country's biggest gay political donor, and Barney Frank, Democratic Congressman from Massachusetts. Throughout his campaign, President Obama made it clear that he supported the homosexual 'civil rights' movement.

(15) The Consequences - April 9, 2010

The normalization of homosexuality in society will bring about profound changes in social organization, particularly in regard to social integration, reproduction, health and the intergenerational transfer of cultural values.

Heterosexual family forms have been protected through centuries of civilizations and in virtually all societies. Normalizing same-sex marriage would subsidize reproductive technologies and endorse the idea that a child does not really need a mother and a father. Religious values of many Americans in regard to appropriate sexual relationships would no longer be legally accepted, leading to state imposed restrictions on religious freedoms.

(16) Equal Persons, Equal Ideas, Equal Behaviors? - May 31, 2010

Our patriotic 'faith' statement that all are created equal is not a statement of fact but a statement of 'faith' in the spiritual and eternal worth of each striving soul. Our 'right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness' does not include the right to confront the well being of the larger social good. Equality of persons cannot be equated to the concept that all ideas or behaviors are created equal. We are now being told that ideas and behaviors held by a minority must be considered equal to ideas and values that have been cherished and protected by the majority of people.

Responsible debate and consideration of behavioral and social consequences are the best way to ensure well being for the larger good and the protection and support for all citizens.

Reference:

1. Parrillo, Vincent N. Contemporary Social Problems. Boston:Allyn and Bacon Pub. 1999:6.

(16) Equal persons, equal ideas, equal behaviors? : The Gay Battle for Social Reorganization of America

Master Status?

Our society seems to now be identifying a person primarily by sexual orientation or gender identity. This places sexual behavior on the throne as the most important aspect of our lives. However, a person's sexual orientation is not their master status.

We are individuals who have potential for developing and making choices about how we live our lives. We are endowed with many abilities and opportunities to move and grow in many directions. We are not pre-determined. We all have potential for many sexual behaviors, depending on our nature, our nurture, our choices and our social influences.

Created equal

Our country was founded on a patriotic 'faith statement' that declares all men (presumably, people) are created equal. This is not a statement of fact, because in fact, we are not equal. We differ in innumerable ways. People differ in value both in regard to themselves and in regard to society.

The founding fathers affirmed a divine power. Our 'created equal' faith statement only has truth in the light that we have worth endowed by our creator as a searching and striving soul. We have spiritual and eternal worth. The assumption of the ultimate equality of each person cannot be separated from the soul.

Our democracy was founded on the essential assumption that individuals can and will strive for goodness. Our affirmed 'right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness' does not include the right to violently or carelessly confront the well being of the larger social good.

Countries that lose a foundation of spiritual reality soon demonstrate that many people who are no longer contributing to or supporting the political agendas are no longer needed or wanted in the society.

Equal ideas / behaviors?

To say that all persons are created equal cannot be equated with saying that all ideas and behaviors are created equal. However, this seems to be the outgrowth and false conclusion that our culture is proclaiming. We are now saying that ideas and behaviors held by a small minority of persons must be considered equal to ideas and values that have been cherished and supported through the years by the majority of people. To negatively judge or evaluate the minority idea is labeled a hate crime.

Homosexual relationships have always been present to some extent in our society, for whatever personal or social reasons. They have been tolerated and allowed as a necessary condition for some.

Violence or disrespectful behaviors toward homosexuals or any minority group are inappropriate.

Consequences predominate.

Ideas and behaviors must be evaluated and judged by the consequences they produce for the persons involved and for the larger society.

It is now being promoted that homosexual behaviors should be taught to our children as equally appropriate social relationships.

It is not useful, appropriate or wise to use exceptions to argue for or define normality.

The normalization of homosexuality in society would create profound changes in social organization that warrant caution and serious consideration. Heterosexual marriage is a foundation for personal and social integration between the sexes and generations.

The traditional family preserves and passes down its unique cultural values to the next generation, providing checks and balances in society which guard against destructive extremism. The greatest sources of nurture, support and meaning for the majority of Americans are found within intergenerational family relationships.

Personal health risks associated with homosexual behaviors are deeply troubling. The American Medical Association confirms that homosexual youth are 23 times more apt to contact a sexually transmitted disease than their heterosexual counterparts.

Protecting democracy!

The concept of 'equality of persons' is not to be equated with the insistence that every idea or behavior of a minority or small group should be used to determine what all others must accept or abide by.

Democracy requires responsible debate and consideration of behavioral and social consequences when changes in social relationships are proposed.

This process is the best way to ensure well being for the larger good and to ensure protection and support for all citizens.

(13) Gays Confront the Church: The Gay Battle for Social Reorganization of America

Although prostitution and homosexuality were sometimes included in practices of early religions, the moral commandments of the Hebrew people protected sexual relationships in support of family values. The formation of the family unit through the love and sexual union of a man and a woman was seen as the way in which the love of God was shown to individuals in the present and passed on to future generations through their children. Scriptures from the Jewish Bible and the New Testament supported husband/wife unions and condemned homosexual relationships.

When gay activist groups emerged in the 1960's, churches were challenged to include homosexuals and allow them to participate without discrimination in church activities and events. Fundamental groups held firm to scriptural guidance, while mainline churches, especially within the leadership of the denominations, were moving toward inclusion.

Churches Challenged

The Southern Baptists, the largest Protestant denomination with sixteen million members, was not without challenge in its effort to preserve conservative family values. In 1965 Anne and Fred Alexander, members of the Southern Baptist Church, started the publication of The Other Side magazine "to keep alive the possibility of fundamental change." In 1978 The Other Side published an issue dealing with homosexuality, which included groundbreaking articles offering gay and lesbian speakers the opportunity to express their feelings and experiences. 1.

Organized elements within the mainline Protestant churches began a systematic push to change thinking related to theological and ethical issues involving sexuality. In 1978 a Task Force on Homosexuality submitted a report to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) recommending that avowed practicing homosexuals be ordained as ministers, ruling elders, and deacons. The 1978 General Assembly of PCUSA declared homosexual behaviors contrary to scripture and persons who practiced it could not be ordained. In 1978 the General Assembly appointed a seventeen-member committee, heavily weighted with members who condoned homosexuality, to develop a study on human sexuality. The report repudiated scriptural morality and proposed legitimizing premarital, extramarital, and homosexual relationships. The Human Sexuality Report was rejected by 94% of the delegation at the 1991 PCUSA General Assembly. A committee moderator stated, "We are convinced that the issue raised by this report will not go away." 2.

In 2006 a report titled "A Season of Discernment" that devoted 100 pages to "Sexuality and Ordination" was passed by the General Assembly of PCUSA. Agreement was reached on some matters. While ordination would be denied to anyone who demonstrated licentious behavior, celibate homosexuals and bisexuals were not barred from consideration for ordination. Every ordaining body was given the opportunity to decide what departures can be tolerated. 3.

Aggressive Attacks on the Church

In December of 1989 the late Cardinal John O'Connor was beginning his sermon in New York City's St. Patrick's Cathedral when angry shouts came from the congregation. Members of the militant homosexual group ACT-UP stretched themselves out in the aisles or chained themselves to the pews. An angry man yelled, "You bigot, O'Connor, you're killing us." Forty-three protesters were arrested while O'Connor tried to go on with the service.

In 1992 the voters of Colorado had passed Amendment 2 that denied homosexuals special legal privileges. Will Perkins, the man who helped get Amendment 2 on the Colorado ballot, attended the Village Seven Presbyterian Church. In the middle of a Sunday service in 1993 a dozen homosexual activists leaped out of their seats and bombarded the parishioners with condoms. Focus on the Family in Colorado had rocks thrown through the windows, dead animal parts left on the ministry's front door, and flyers posted on light poles in front of the ministry and throughout the downtown area calling for conservative Christians to be thrown to the lions. 4.

Soulforce, Inc: We Will Split You

Soulforce, Inc. was a roving protest group of multi-denominational gays, lesbians and transgendered persons committed to nonviolent action with a goal to challenge church doctrines on homosexuality. The organization was founded in 1998 by the Rev. Mel White who had co-authored books in the 1980's with Evangelical elites including Billy Graham, Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson. After 25 years of trying to 'cure' himself, the father of two left his wife and moved in with his male partner. In the summer of 2000, protests were organized to disrupt the general assemblies of the Methodist, Baptist, and Episcopalian denominations. Working with activists within the denominations, Soulforce staged demonstrations. White's attitude was "We don't debate anymore. Change your policies or we're going to split you apart and leave." 5.

Denominations Divided

The demonstrations brought fervent opposition from evangelical forces within the churches. The vote by the delegates at the 2000 annual conference of the United Methodist Church rejected by a two-thirds majority any effort to alter the denominations's marriage centered sexual morality or sexual standards for ordination. 6.

Episcopalians were also divided by the debates on homosexuality. In 1998 conservative members formed a reform movement called Concerned Clergy and Laity of the Episcopal Church. In 2003 the election of a partnered homosexual bishop created turmoil in the church. The 2009 General Convention adopted two resolutions that seriously departed from biblical sexuality by repealing a moratorium on the consecration of additional gay bishops, while opening the doors to blessing same-sex unions. 7.

In August of 2009 the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American (ELCA) adopted policies that were a departure from traditional Christian teaching. "The new policies allow ELCA churches to give approval to non-marital sexual relationships, both homosexual and heterosexual, and to ordain persons in such relationships." 8.

Priestly Sexual Abuse Challenges the Church

Accusations of priestly pedophilia exploded in the Catholic Church in the 1980's. The dual system of sexuality within the Catholic Church created problems in the development of a consistent understanding of sexuality. Church leaders for centuries have been called to celibacy. However seminary training did not adequately address the realities of leading a sexually celibate life. A church sponsored panel reported that 2 to 4% of Catholic priests may have been guilty of sexually abusing children, mostly teen boys. 9.

Many Catholic seminaries have a gay subculture. R. Scott Appleby, professor of history at Notre Dame University, said "People I know quite well have left the seminary either in disgust because people are not keeping their vows, or in alienation because they're not gay." 10

AIDS has taken a toll among Catholic priests. By the beginning of the new millennium, hundreds of Catholic priests had died of AIDS-related illnesses, and hundreds more were living with HIV. Priests were dying of AIDS at a rate four times that of the general population. 11.

Priestly sexual abuse of children and young teens raises two questions.

1. How many young boys were drawn into the homosexual lifestyle by early experiences of sexual behaviors with priests.?

2. To what extent has the homosexual challenge to traditional family patterns been supported and encouraged through these behaviors?

These questions become especially relevant in light of the high rate of AIDS among the priesthood.

ENDA and Hate Crimes Challenges Religious Liberty

Since 1994, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) has been repeatedly introduced in Congress. If the bill passes, 'sexual orientation' would be added to the list of federally protected classes under the 1964 act that prohibits job discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. ENDA would make it illegal to make decisions on hiring, firing, promoting or paying an employee based on sexual orientation. Supporters argue that ENDA is necessary to protect a minority from discrimination while opponents argue that religious employers who disagree with the homosexual lifestyle would be discriminated against. Church related facilities or non-profits could lost their tax exempt status if they refused to hire a person on the basis of their sexual orientation. 12.

After a decade of political struggle, President Obama signed the federal hate crime bill into law on Oct 28th of 2009. A hate crime is identified as a crime of violence motivated by the hatred of the group to which the victim belongs. The federal hate crime protects against violence based on the race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity of the victim.

BACKLASH- Protecting Religious Liberties

When church leadership moved toward changing sexual expectations to include practicing homosexuals as clergy and leaders, church members who leaned toward maintaining a scriptural foundation to the faith voted with their feet. Between 1965 and 1989 six mainline denominations (Evangelical Lutheran, United Methodist, United Church of Christ, Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Disciples of Christ) reported a combined membership loss of 6.2 million members. The churches that increased in membership were conservative and evangelical, in contrast to the secular liberalism of mainline denominations. 13.

Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council contends that state-sanctioned same-sex unions pose a dangerous threat to religious liberties, not just for churches but for everyone. Heterosexual relationships, although the only relationships that can naturally reproduce, would be officially declared 'nothing special'. Non-discrimination laws would threaten the rights of individual believers trying to live their daily lives in accordance to their faith. 14,

Perkins lists ways in which individuals may be challenged in their faith or denied the right to express their personal religious values.

* Individuals would be denied the right to express their views in regard to the gay lifestyle in public.

* Private business owners would be required to provide benefits for same-sex domestic partners.

* Organizations that challenged same-sex relationships may be denied government grants.

* Organizations may be denied access to public events.

* Professionals may face lawsuits or be denied licensing.

* Religious non-profits or educational establishments may lose their tax-exempt status.

* Religious clubs at secular universities may be denied recognition.

* Private business owners and religious non-profits would be required to include gays as employees.

Perkins notes occasions in which these conditions have already occurred.

* Catholic charities in Boston were told they could no longer do adoptions if they refused to place children with same-sex couples.

* A fertility doctor was sued for refusing to artificially inseminate a lesbian.

* A Christian camp meeting lost it's tax-exempt status for refusing to rent their pavilion for a lesbian 'civil union' ceremony.

* A Lutheran school in California was sued for expelling two girls in a lesbian relationship.

The late Dr. D. James Kennedy, founder of Coral Ridge Ministries, sounded the alarm on the federal hate crime law, which is named after Matthew Shepherd. Shepherd, who was a homosexual, was brutally pistol whipped and left tied to a split-rail fence in Laramie, Wyoming by two thugs in an attempt to get money and drugs. Homosexual protesters turned the tragic event into an attack against the Christian community, claiming that anti-gay messages by Christians who opposed homosexuality contributed to the 1998 murder of Shepherd.

Hate crimes add additional penalties for crimes committed against homosexuals or other designated groups when hatred or bias is a motivating factor.

Dr. Kennedy contended that "hate crime laws have been used to silence Christians, while providing special protection to homosexuals." 15.

Opponents of hate crime laws argue that the legislation leads to criminalizing speech that opposes the homosexual lifestyle. Current laws punish behaviors while hate crime laws punish offenders for what they think or say. In 2004 eleven Christians were arrested for committing a hate crime when they preached at a homosexual gay-pride event in Philadelphia. Matt Barber, Director for Cultural Affairs with Liberty Counsel, calls hate crime legislation "Constitutionally dubious and dangerous to religious liberties and freedom of speech" and "entirely unnecessary."

16.

REFERENCES

1. Davidson, Doug. "Disturbing the Peace:Thirty years on The Other Side." The Other Side. 30th Anniversary . Vol. 31, No. 6 (Nov/Dec) 1995:7.

2. Presbyterian Layman. "Highlights from the Layman's years of reporting on Presbyterian Church (USA)." Vol. 28, No. 6 (Nov/Dec) 1995.

Jameson, Vic. "Assembly maintains traditional Presbyterian sexuality policies." Presbyterian Survey. (July/Aug) 1991:24-25.

3. Religious Tolerance. "Statement on homosexuality: 2000 to now." 2008. http://www,religioustolerance.org/hom_pru22.htm. 2/22/2010.

4. Sears, Alan & Craig Osten. The Homosexual Agenda: Exposing the Principal Threat to Religious Freedom Today. (Revised and updated) Nashville,TN: B&H Publishing. 2003:127,156.

5. Van Biema, David. "Out of the Fold.". Time. Vol. 156, No. 1 (July 3) 2000:48-51.

6. Tooley, Mark. "United Methodists move to the center." Faith and Freedom. Vol. 19, No. 3-4 (Summer/Fall)2000:6-7.

7. Walton, Jeffrey H. "Episcopalians Roll Down the Slope". Faith and Freedom. Vol. 28, No. 4. Fall 2009:7.

8. Wisdom. Alan F. H. "Evangelical Lutherans Go Over the Edge." Faith and Freedom. Vol. 28, No. 4, Fall 2009:6.

9. Associated Press. "Catholic bishops urge new rules over sex abuse." San Antonio Express News. November 18, 1993:15A.

10. Sears, Alan & Craig Osten, 2003:152.

11. Thomas, Judy L. "AIDS taking toll among Catholic priests in U.S." San Antonio Express News. Sat., Feb. 5, 2000:10B.

12. Riley, Jennifer. "Gay Employment Bill on Queue for Returning Congress." Aug. 21, 2009. http://www.christianpost.com/article/20090821/gay-employment-bill-on-agenda... 2/21/2010.

13. Ostling, Richard N. "The Church Search." Time. Vol. 141, No. 14 (April 5) 1993.44-51.

14. Perkins, Tony. "Same-sex 'Marriage' vs. 'Religious Liberty." Truth & Triumph. Alliance Defense Fund. Vol. II, Issue 3. 2009:14-15.

15. Kennedy, D. James. "CRM Sounds Alarm on Hate Crime Laws." IMPACT. Vol.XX, No. 10. Coral Ridge Ministries. 2008

16. Ibid

(5) Safe Sex Becomes Seductive: The Gay Battle for Social Reorganization of America

SAFE SEX?
In the last 30 years condoms have been claimed to provide safe sex or safer sex. Condoms are being sold and distributed around the world as the solution to casual sexual behaviors in preventing pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. They are being 'pushed'by school and university health clinics, and even medical facilities with the implicatin that sex will be safe if you 'protect' yourself with a condom. However, the typical use failure rate of condoms is 14%, accounting for inconsistent and incorrect use as well as breakage and slippage. Use factors such as experience, condom size and use of lubricant can affect slippage and breakage. 1.

A study involving 26,291 homosexual men and heterosexual man and women who visited the University of Colorado's clinic in Denver over a two year period reported that 57% of the women, 48% of the heterosexual men and 33% of the homosexual men reported error in condom use.2.

Efficacy rates for condom use is generally reported for pregnancy. However, rates for sexually transmitted diseases vary by disease. Condoms do not prevent transmission of the human papillomavirus which is the leading cause of cervical cancer. Michigan's statewide gay newspaper, Between The Lines , reports that the risk of anal cancer increases by nearly 4,000% for men who have sex with men. They state that a condom only offers limited protection against anal cancer.3.

Suppose, for example, that 20 million people used condoms for 'protection' and safe sex. By the typical use rate of 14% failure, two million and eight hundred thousand people will be unpleasantly surprised that they were, in fact, not safe.

STD's IN THE GAY POPULATION

The Center for Disease Control (CDC)reports statistics on sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) in the United States and its dependent areas. Health departments report their data to CDC so the information can be analyzed to determine who is being affected and why. The CDC 2008 surveillance report estimates that there are approximately 19 million new STD infections each year - almost half of them among young people 15-24 years of age.

Syphilis makes a comeback

Syphilis was a disease that was on the verge of elimination. In 2001 it re-emerged as a public health threat because of a resurgence of the disease among men who have sex with men (MSM). In 2008 there were 13,500 reported cases of primary and secondary syphilis, the most infectious stages of the disease. Reported cases of syphilis showed that 63% were among MSM. This is of particular concern because syphilis infection facilitates HIV transmission. Syphilis rates among blacks were about eight times higher than that of whites in 2008.4.

HIV/AIDS enters the country

HIV was introduced into the U.S. through the homosexual community. After its initial diagnosis in 1981, it spread rapidly across the country through male homosexuality, intravenous drug use, bisexuality, and multiple heterosexual partners. Infants were infected by mothers who had the HIV virus. In 2006, CDC estimated that over half (53%) of new cases occurred in gay and bisexual men.

Through 2007, the cumulative estimated number of AIDS diagnoses in the 50 states and the District of Columbia(DC) was well over one million - 1,018,428. Over half of these cases(50.3%)was reported in four states: New York, California, Florida and Texas. By 2007, the cumulative estimated number of deaths from AIDS in the 50 states and DC included 557,902 adults and adolescents and 4,891 children under 13 years of age. Although Blacks represented about 12% of the U.S. population, cumulated estimated AIDS cases for Black and African Americans through 2007 exceeded that of Whites, numbering 426,003 to 404,465 respectively. Black women were particularly affected as bisexual men brought the disease home to their wives and girlfriends. 5.

# of AIDS cases for 50 states and DC through 2007 = 1,018,428
# of AIDS deaths for 50 states and DC through 2007 = 562,793

Life expectancy for gay and bisexual men is compromised by perhaps 20 years.
An article printed in the New York Times reported that a young male homosexual has about a 50% chance of getting HIV by middle age. In 1998 the CDC reported that an estimated half of all new infections of HIV in the U.S. were among people under 25.6.

Other STD's common among the homosexual population.

Included in this list of particular concern is anal cancer. Other maladies include Chlamydia, cryptosporidium, herpes simplex virus, human papilloma virus or genital warts, isospora belli, microsporidia, gonorrhea, viral hepatitis types B&C and syphilis. 7.

PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE POLICIES

Joseph Nicolosi, President of NARTH said, "Most medical groups have embraced the homosexual agenda and are advocating that lifestyle despite all the scientific studies and medical evidence that demonstrate medical and psychological risks...Homosexual activism and political correctness are clearly trumping science." 8.

It is essential in any society that policies are implemented that promote and protect the health and well-being of its citizens. The American Public Health Association and other health organizations must be aggressively held accountable for accurate reporting. 'Activist spin' must not be allowed to override responsible scientific research.

Evidence shows that mortality and morbidity rates are substantially higher for those who engage in homosexual practices, particularly anal intercourse, with the tearing of the rectal lining and diseases associated with subsequent contact with fecal matter. "Activism must not be placed above science in informing public policy. It is an injustice to homosexual men and women to allow activism, including accusations of homophobia, to silence discussion of health risks or to suppress research." 9.


REFERENCES
1.Workshop Summary:Scientific Evidence on Condom Effectiveness for Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention. 2000, June 12-13. Hyatt Dulles Airport. Herndon, VA. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Nat. Institute of Health, Dept. of Health and Human Services. July 20, 2001:10. http://www.3.nlaid.nih.gov/about/organization/dmid/pof/condomreport.pdf.
2.Condomman, "Condom Use and the Spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases." http://www.condomman.com/articles/index.php?tag=rising-std-rates. April 19, 2008.
3. Glenn, Gary. "Compassionate Society Should Discourage Homosexual Behavior." American Family Association. htp://www.freepublic.com/focus/f-news/1039280/posts. March 19, 2001.
4.CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Sexually Transmitted Diseases Surveillance, 2008". http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats08/trends.htm. 1/10/2010.
5.CDC. "Basic Statistics, 2007". http://www,cdc.gov/hiv/topics/surveillance/print/basic.htm. 1/10/2010.
6. Brinkman,Susan. "Health risks of the homosexual lifestyle." Catholic Standard & Times (May-June, 2004). http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/printarticle.html?id=4236. 1/10/2010.
7. Ibid
8. Ibid.
9. Byrd, A. Dean."The American Journal of Public Health Highlights Risks of Homosexual Practices." NARTH. http://www.narth.com/docs/risks.html. 1/10/2010.

( 4)Politics of GRID - HIV/AIDS: The Gay Battle for Social Reorganization of America

It was 1981. Dr. Jeffrey Satinover braced himself as he examined a gaunt young man whose arms and sides were covered with angry purple welts from a rare, ugly cancer, Kaposi's Sarcoma. This once rare disease was now popping up around the country, especially in San Francisco and New York. This deadly, wasting disease was known then simply as GRID, "gay-related immune disorder" because of its disproportionate appearance among male homosexuals. As GRID spread it was grouped with other conditions such as "gay-related bowel syndrome" which gays were prone to because of the practice of anal intercourse.

It was anticipated that the fledgling gay movement would be dealt a severe setback for medical reasons. Unexpectedly the gay community's first priority was "to protect homosexuality itself as a perfectly acceptable, normal, and safe way of life". Because the virus could be transferred to anyone, the first move was to rename "gay-related immune disorder" to AIDS: "Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome", though gay related anal intercouse and promiscuity created and continues to preserve the American reservoir for HIV/AIDS. Thus, AIDS was politicized from the start. 1

Social and cultural factors came together to bring about a delay in the attack on AIDS. Because the disease was linked to homosexuality and drug use, many people in positions of power felt the problem did not need to be seriously addressed. Some religious leaders declared that AIDS was punishment for the sins of homosexuality. Also the Reagan administration's policy of smaller government and austerity in social and health programs created competition for government funds and AIDS researchers lost out in the battle. 2.

AIDS was causing 53,000 deaths a year in North America by 1995. By 1997 an expensive AIDS cocktail including protease inhibitors was being used that reduced the amount of the HIV virus in a patient's bloodstream providing additional years of relatively healthy life. The death rate dropped from 59 per 100 people with AIDS to 4per 100 in 1998. No vaccines had proven successful. The Centers for Disease Control researchers were concerned that unsafe sex among young gay men would increase if they believed that AIDS could be effectively controlled by protease inhibitors. 3.

June 2003 edition of the Journal of the American Public Health

The above issue discussed risks associated with homosexual practices. Bad news was reported in one article after another: 4.

- Among 4,295 homosexual men who reported engaging in anal sex with one or more partners in the previous year, 48% reported unprotected receptive anal sex and 55% reported unprotected insertive anal sex. Unprotected anal sex was highly associated with drug and alcohol use. (Beryl A. Koblan et.al)

- Sex without disclosure of HIV status is common. Data from a study indicated that 45,300 gay or bisexual men, 8,000 heterosexual men and 7,500 women who were HIV infected engaged in sex without disclosure of theri HIV status.(Daniel H. Ciccarone, et. al.)

- A study of six metropolitan areas reported 93% of African American men who were HIV infected did not know they had the virus, contradicting the view that 'coming out' is associated with better mental health, responsible behavior and lower rates of HIV infection. African-American men who disclosed their homosexuality had a higher HIV prevalence (24%) and engaged in more unprotected anal sex (41%) than those who did not disclose their status. (14% and 32% respectively).(David J. Malebranche)

Homosexuality and mental illness were discussed in the Archives of General Psychiatry. J Michael Bailey concluded, "Homosexual people are at a substantially higher risk for some forms of emotional problems, including suicidality, major depression and anxiety disorder." This conclusion was corroborated by a study from the Netherlands published in Archives of Psychiatry, 2001. The Dutch society is one of the most gay tolerant in the world. Yet the risk for mental illness by those engaging in homosexuality is significantly higher than among heterosexuals in that country.5.

In response to the above research, Dr. A. Dean Byrd, Vice President of The National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality, expressed concern that the authors failed to conclude that "homosexuality is neither innate nor immutable," that "homosexual men and women have a choice in how they respond to their attractions," and "that homosexuality represents an adaptation - not an identity." Byrd criticized many of the authors for being preoccupied with 'homophobia' without allowing room for other hypotheses. Byrd stated, "Perhaps it is not homophobia but misquided activism that is responsible for the current health problems that plague homosexual individuals...Rights issues seem to have replaced individual and community health concerns." 6.



REFERENCES1. Satinover, Jeffrey. Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books. 1996:9-16.
2. Sullivan, Thomas J. Introduction to Social Problems. Boston:Allyn and Bacon Pub. 2000:116.
3.Palen, J. John. Social Problems for the Twenty-first Century.
4. Byrd, A. Dean. "The American Journal of Public Health Highlights Risks of Homosexual Practices." NARTH. http://www.narth.com/docs/risks.html. 1/10/2010.
5. Ibid.
6. Ibid.

(3) Focus on The Professional Health Organizations: The Gay Battle for Social Reorganization of America:

In 1963, concern about the increase in homosexuality prompted the New York Academy of Medicine to address the subject of homosexuality. Noting that some homosexuals were arguing that sexual deviancy is a 'desirable, noble, preferable way of life', they issued the following statement: "Homosexuality is indeed an illness. The homosexual is an emotionally disturbed individual who has not acquired the normal capacity to develop satisfying heterosexual relations." 1.

Until 1994, when all references to 'sexual orientation related disorders' was removed from the official policies of the American Medical Association, this perspective was used to justify therapies for treating homosexuality. 2.

The American Psychiatric Association also viewed homosexuality as a mental disorder until 1973. Over the years cures for treating homosexuality included: castration or vasectomy(1890's), hypnosis (1890's to 1960's), lobotomy (early 1900's to 1950's), analysis, hospitalization or institution(1920's to 1970's), aversion therapy, including drug caused nausea or electroshock (to the 1970's), and abstinence (1890's to the present).3.

Demands for normalizing homosexual behaviors occurred in the early 1970's. A homosexual faction in the American Psychiatric Association(APA) planned to disrupt the annual meetings of the APA, challenging a paper presentation on homosexuality and transsexualism. The following year the APA agreed to sponsor a special panel led by homosexuals. The Gay Liberation Front planned a demonstration at the meetings. On May 3, 1971, gay activists broke into a meeting, grabbed a microphone, and declared, "Psychiatry has waged a relentless war of extermination against us. You may take this as a declaration of war against you."

"In 1973 the APA voted to strike homosexuality from the officially approved list of psychiatric illnesses." Only about one-third of the membership was involved in this decision. A follow-up survey reported that "69 percent of psychiatrists disagreed with the vote and still considered homosexuality a disorder." The American Psychological Association voted to follow the lead set by the APA. 4.

Psychiatrist Jeffrey Satinover lamented that although psychiatry is presumably a scientific discipline and makes its decisions based on scientific evidence, the changes in definition and classification were determined not by scientific evidence, but were corrupted by politics. 5.

Political pressure again affected decisions of the APA when in 1994 the chairman of the APA's Committee on the Abuse and Misuse of Psychiatry presented to the Board of Trustee's a change, making it a "violation of professional conduct for a psychiatrist to help a homosexual patient become heterosexual even at the patient's request." When the board sent the statement to its legislative body, a fierce battle ensured.

Therapists who help homosexuals change and ex-homosexuals threatened to file a lawsuit against the APA and reopen consideration of the 1973 decision, which removed homosexuality from the list of mental illnesses. However, the Gay and Lesbian Task Force continued to challenge not only psychiatrists who undertook reparative therapy, but also to challenge psychologists, social workers, pastoral counselors, and ministers. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), which accredits mental health practitioners, was also lobbied by gay activists to declare the use of reparative therapies a violation of the NASW Code of Ethics.6.

BACKLASH ON 'REPARATIVE THERAPY'

NARTH

The APA met challenges to its assertion that counselors should refrain from helping homosexuals change their sexual orientation. In the mid 1990's professionals concerned about the APA retreat from therapy formed the National Association for Research and Treatment of Homosexuality (NARTH) to serve as an alternative to APA and a referral service for homosexual clients. By 2000 the membership was over 1000. NARTH is a "professional, scientific organization that offers hope to those who struggle with unwanted homosexuality." It provides educational information, conducts and collects scientific research, and promotes therapeutic treatment to those seeking their help. NARTH contends that "The right to seek therapy to change one's sexual adaptation should be considered self-evident and inalienable." 7.

Dr. Spitzer's testimony

Psychiatrist Robert L. Spitzer had offered key testimony in 1973 stating homosexuality was not a clinical disorder, leading to the APA proposal that declassified homosexuality as mental disorder. Several decades later, however, Spitzer, a professor of Biometric Research at Columbia University and Co-Editor of Psychiatry's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual reversed his position, contending that mental health professionals had abandoned homosexuals who were attempting to change their sexual orientation. After former homosexuals picketed an APA meeting, Dr. Spitzer talked to numerous ex-gays and had a radical change of mind about the possibility of homosexuals changing their orientation. Spitzer conducted a study, interviewing 143 males and 57 females, to determine whether and how people change sexual orientation. Spitzer concluded that the research "Shows some people can change from gay to straight, and we ought to acknowledge that."

Initially many colleagues and members of the gay community felt outraged and betrayed at his change in perspective. Spitzer noted, "I think that has largely dissipated. But also, I'm at the point in my career that I don't worry about such things," He added, "the politically correct term now is reorientation therapy. Reparative already implies something's broken - of course the reparative therapists believe this, but it kind of infuriates the gays to even call it reparative therapy." 8.

Exodus International

Christian leaders stepped forward to protect the rights of homosexuals who sought to change their sexual orientation. In 1973, Frank Worthen ministered to homosexuals in the U.S. He organized a conference of ex-gay ministers who formed a coalition called Exodus International, North America. In 1978 a group formed in Australia, followed by an independent group, Exodus Europe, which formed in the Netherlands in 1982. Leaders from around the world joined in 2004 to form Exodus Global Alliance. "Exodus is a nonprofit, interdenominational Christian organization promoting the message of Freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus Christ...Exodus is the largest Christian referral and information network dealing with homosexual issues in the world." Each year over 1000 members and interested persons come together for instruction and celebration in a five-day event in cities throughout North America. 9.

Love Won Out Conference

Love Won Out Conferences are organized by Focus on the Family to minister to those who struggle with unwanted same-sex attractions and to family and friends of those who are living homosexually. Since 1998, Love Won Out has traveled to more than 50 American cities to bring "the power of God's love and His desire to transform the life of a struggling homosexual to find freedom in Jesus Christ." Attendance is limited to adults, although participants ages 16-18 may attend if accompanied by a parent. Speakers include ex gays and lesbians,Christian counselors, ministers, and educators. Melissa Fryrear, an ex-lesbian and director of gender issues for Focus on the Family notes that many protestors often have attended the conferences carrying signs accusing Love Won Out with intolerance and bigotry. She says, "There is nothing intolerant about what we say,". An 18 year-old gay attendee commented, "While I strongly disagree with many points in your message, you presented them in a loving way. I think it's important that people look at all sides of this issue...This conference was informing." 10.


REFERENCES
1. Satinover, Jeffrey. Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth.Grand Rapids, MI:Baker Books. 1996:32.
2. The Gay Almanac.Compiled by the National Museum & Archive of Lesbian and Gay History. New York:Berkley Books. 1996:221.
3. Ibid.
4. Satinover:32-35.
5. Ibid:37.
6. Ibid: 35-36.
7. NARTH. http://www.narth.com/index.html. 1/24/2010.
8. Adamson, Victor J. "Homosexual change study supports reparative therapy."
Report from the American Association of Christian Counselors. June 13, 2001.
http://www.victorjadamson.com/articles2/article.php?id=4. 1/23/10.
Leblanc, Douglas. "Therapeutically Incorrect: Atheist psychiatrist argues that gays can change." Christianity Today. April 2005, Vol.49, No. 4:94.
Spitzer, Robert L. http://borngay.procon.org/viewsource.asp?ID=003506.1/24/10.
9. Exodus. "Who We Are". http://www.exodusinternational.org/about_exodus.shtml. 1/25/2010.
Exodus History. http://www,exodusglobalalliance.org/ourhistoryc87.php. 1/25/2010
10. Fryrear, Melissa. "Love Won Out is about ministry, not intolerance." Focus on the Family. Feb. 19, 2009.
Focus on the Family. Love Won Out Conference advertising brochure. 2004.

(2) Focus on Education: The Gay Battle for Social Reorganization of America

In 1974 the National Education Association added 'sexual orientation' to its resolution on nondiscriminatory personnel policies. Diversity training, which includes acceptance of the gay and lesbian lifestyles, became the requirement for educational administrators, teachers and students.

CLAGS

In the 1980's gay and lesbian studies developed in universities across the country. The Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies (CLAGS), was established by the Graduate School of the City University of New York in 1991 with a grant from the Paul Rapoport Foundation, a major supporter of gay/lesbian concerns. CLAGS operated as a clearinghouse for scholarly research, conferences and public programs on gay related issues. It also prepared syllabi and curriculum supporting gay and lesbian studies for all grade levels.

GLSEN

Seventy gay and lesbian educators formed the Gay and Lesbian Independent School Network (GLSTN) in 1990 to form Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA's) with the policy of protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students. Chapters were established across the country. Kevin Jennings, one of the founders, was hired as it's first full time staff person. In 1997, GLSTN changed it's name to Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). GLSEN has registered more than 4,000 GSA's on school campuses and grew to 40 full time staff. GLSEN sponsors the National Day of Silence at schools across the country to bring attention to the silence caused by anti-LGBT bullying.

The Rainbow Curriculum

The gay agenda sought to promote tolerance and understanding of the gay/lesbian lifestyles in the public schools and to normalize these lifestyles in the public perception. In the early 1990's, elementary curriculum entitled Children of the Rainbow encouraged diversity and inclusion of non-European, women and gay and lesbian history in every stage of education from kindergarten through high school. Books supporting gay and lesbian families and the gay lifestyles were included in school curriculum.

It's Elementary -

In 1999, a ninety-minute video, entitled It's Elementary: Talking About Gay and Lesbian Issues in School was shown on public broadcasting stations across the country. The video showed elementary grade-level classroom discussions about homosexuality. Young homosexuals informed the students of the five gender orientations: male, female, gay, lesbian, and bisexual.

BACKLASH

When the video, Elementary: Talking About Gay and Lesbian Issues in School aired across the country, groups opposing the use of the schools to promote homosexuality staged protests. In San Antonio, Texas, 200 protestors picketed Public Broadcasting station KLRN to protest the showing.

The normalization of homosexuality became 'politically correct' in academic and educational settings. Silence was no longer imposed upon those supporting gay rights, rather those seeking to challenge the gay lifestyle were violently attacked and intimidated.

Diversity training

Diversity training sometimes became sessions of intimidation. At the University of Delaware, student Countney Halligan was not opposed to attending the required training. She soon changed her mind. In one-on-one sessions students were encouraged to speak openly about their sexuality and gay students felt pressured to publicly out themselves. The program was suspended in response to student complaints and pressure from the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education , a Philadelphia based civil liberties advocacy group. The school's vice president for student life said, "The university had good intentions...but the way the program was run was unacceptable."

Educational Materials Promote Homosexuality

When same-sex marriage became legal in Massachusetts in 2003, pro-homosexual picture books were placed in the classrooms in the name of tolerance and diversity. Robin Wirthlin was puzzled when her 2nd grade son came home and reported to her about a story at school of a prince who didn't like the princesses his mother brought home. He fell in love with a prince and married him. Wirthlin was concerned that books like this were read to grade-schoolers. She questioned the teacher who said it was the school district's mandate to read pro-gay lifestyle books to her students. Another couple, David and Tonia Parker, were also concerned when their kindergarten son brought home a "Diversity Book Bag" which included a picture book called Who's in a Family? . The text began "Laura and Kyle live with their two moms,... Robin's family is made up of her dad,Clifford, her dad's partner...".

When the Wirthlins and the Parkers filed suit against the town of Lexinton asking to exempt their children from teaching about homosexuality, The U.S. District Chief Judge Mark Wolf ruled against parental rights stating, "The (state)Constitution does not ...permeit the Parkers and the Wirthlins to exempt their children from teaching about homosexuality or same-sex marriage." He wrote, "After all, if a few parents could do it, others would follow, maybe in vast numbers."

Intimidation

In 1993, David Woodward, a political science professor at Clemson University, was asked to serve as an expert witness for the state of Colorado to testify about the political power of homosexual groups in America. When he testified in support of traditional values he discovered that to publicly oppose gay rights was "the equivalent to being sent to the university Gulag". He was labeled 'ideologically incompatible' with the values of the university, the press attacked him viciously, and he often found the word 'Homophobe' scribbled on his office door. In his book, Why We Whisper:Restoring Our Right to Say it's Wrong, Woodward and coauthor, Jim DeMint, point out, "freedom of speech is crucial in any democracy...The demise of good government comes when this conversation is abbreviated."

Concerned Groups Speak Out

Concerned Christians and groups supporting traditional family values worked tirelessly to challenge and oppose the gay takeover of educational institutions.

The Tradional Values Coalition networks with 43,000 churches to provide materials for pro-family lobbying activities. The director, Rev. Louis P. Sheldon writes, "Children have long been targets of homosexual activists...GLSEN has established Gay Straight Alliance clubs in hundreds of junior and senior high schools. The goal of GLSEN is to convince sexually confused children that they were 'born gay'...The Day of Silence is supposed to give students a chance to protest alleged discrimination against homosexual, bi-sexual, and transgender students...In reality, the effort is designed to intimidate and silence any opposition to the homosexual agenda..."

Concerned Women for American (CWA) holds community and state events and informs the public of issues affecting the family. In 2007 a notice was sent to parents and grandparents of school-aged children stating. "The term 'Radical Homosexual Agenda' refers to a movement begun approximately 25 years ago to 'normalize' homosexuality and other deviant behaviors within our culture...Their rally cry is 'Whoever controls the schools controls the future.' High on their agenda is to expose children to sex at earlier and earlier ages in our schools..."

When President Barack Obama nominated Kevin Jennings, the founder of GLSEN, to be Assistant Deputy Secretary of Education, in charge of the Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools, CWA founder, Beverly LaHaye wrote, "Jennings and GLSEN have one goal: promote homosexuality and transexuality to children through schools - away from the protection of parents, churches, doctors and others who know homosexual acts are unsafe, immoral and damaging..."

Dr James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, also expressed deep concern about the appointment of Kevin Jennings as the head of the Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools. Dobson states, "What hypocrisy!...He has written five books advocating homosexual teaching in the schools and elsewhere, as well as the foreward to a widely publicized book titled Queering Elementary Education."

The battle over control of education will continue as groups supporting and opposing the normalization of gay and lesbian lifestyles seek to influence the teaching of the next generation.


REFERENCES

Buss, Dale. "Homosexual rights go to school." Christianity Today. Vol. 37, No. 6(May 17) 1993:70-72.

Colson, Charles. "The Whisper Zone:Why We're Losing Our Right to Speak Out." Breakpoint. Prison Fellowship Ministries. May 1, 2008.

Curtis, Barbara. "in the beginning." Citizen. Vol.22, No.3. March, 2008:24-27. Focus on the Family. Colorado Springs, CO.

Dobson, James. Dr Dobson's Newsletter. Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, CO. Nov.2009:3.

Dorsett, Amy. "Protest in S.A. targets KLRM." San Antonio Express News. July 3, 1999:1B.

Elder, Gene. "Gay/lesbian studies:outof the closet, into college." San Antonio Express News/ Nov.3, 1991:4M

GLSEN. "Our Mission. Our History". http://www.glsen./org/chi-bin/iowa/all/about/history/index.html. 1/21/2010.

LaHaye, Beverly. Concerned Women for America newsletter. Fall, 2009.

Sheldon, Reverend Louis P. It's Not Really About Marriage: The Radical Homosexual Agenda to Undermine American Culture." Traditional Values Coalition. Washington DC. 2005:14-15.

The Gay Almanac. National Museum & Archive of Lesbian and Gay History. NY:Berkley Books. 1996:180-186.

Watson, Jamal. "When Diversity Training Goes Awry." http://diverseeducation.com/cache/print.php?articleId=10543. 1/22/2010.

The Gay Battle for Social Reorganization of America

Over the last 50 years gay activist groups have organized to construct a social reorganization of America. Although a comprehensive survey of sexuality conducted in 1992 at the Unversity of Chicago documented that 2.8 percent of men identified themselves as homosexual or bisexual and 1.4 percent of women defined themselves as lesbian or bisexual,(1) the gay culture, influenced by the civil rights and women's movements, rapidly influenced the American culture with gay liberation.

The movement to bring homosexual behavior into social acceptance is challenging every social institution with fundamental change, including the government and legal systems, educational systems, the professional health industry, corporations, religious organizations, and the institution of marriage and family, the media, and the military.

As the gay movements gained momentum, particularly in the media, the schools and churches, powerful counter-movements and organizations developed to challenge the changing expectations of sexual behavior as being personally and socially destructive. Battles ensured as groups within education and health systems, religious organizations and the military claimed adverse impacts on societal outcomes.

The normalization of homosexuality within society will create profound changes in social organization, especially in the areas of social integration, social reproduction, social health and the intergenerational transfer of cultural values. The social discourse has been rampant with charges of bigotry, homophobia and hate mongering. However, neither intimidation, tolerance nor back slapping love fests are appropriate means to bring about change in social behavior that has wide reaching consequences. These foundational social issues deserve serious and thorough consideration.

"The concept of externalities helps define situations that justify government intervention and identify appropriate policy solutions to the problem. Externalities exist when an individual's actions impose costs on or provide benefits to others who are not parties to the decision... This approach provides criteria for when government should act and the type of policies it should use...Positive externalities provide gains for society, while negative externalities produce losses..." (2)

In 2003, Melik Kaylan called for caution in discussing the growing changes in society. "Libertarians, now both on the left and right, say that relations between consenting adults should not be regulated if no participant is hurt, which includes the freedom to marry anyone you please. Here, there's no concern for the aggregate effect on society of cumulative individual choices...Gay marriage...alarms many Americans precisely because it contends blurry unknowable enormities. We will be, after all, the first society ever to pursue the experiment fully... What will be the ultimate human cost, and who will have the courage then to identify the cause?"(3)



REFERENCES

1.Laumann, Edward O., John H. Gagnon, Robert T. Michael, and Stuart Michaels. The Social Organization of Sexuality: Sexual Practices in the United States. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, IL,1994.
2. Steinacker, Annette. "Externalities, Prospect Theory, and Social Construction: When Will Government Act, What Will Government Do?" Social Science Quarterly,Vol.87, No 3. September 2006:459-476.
3. Kaylan, Melik. "The Way We Live Now." The Wall Street Juornal. Fri. Aug. 8, 2003: Opinion Page.

Health Care Reform Begins at Home

Each of us makes decisions about our own physical and psychological health and wellness. Much of our personal illness and injury is created by lifestyle choices related to destructive habits in eating, exercise, cleanliness, drinking, smoking, drug use, and reckless driving.

President Obama, in his discussion on health care reform policies, emphasized preventive health care, urging all of us to take more responsibility for our own health.

Chruches are also adding health and wellness dimensions to their ministry, a practice that is consistent with the concerns of Jesus for healing and wholeness.

Restoring the health of our family relationships and sexual behaviors should be a priority concern in our move toward health care reform. Both religious and secular education needs to include rigorous preparation for healthy sexual, marriage and family relationships, beginning with children and increasing for teens and older.

"The devastating impact of marital and family breakdown on individuals and on our society as a whole has been well documented, yet too often we stand by helplessly while families fall apart. We often fail to provide the relationship education and support needed to build strong families whose members enjoy each other and cope effectively with life's challenges...
We can learn the skills to build healthy relationships;
we can unravel the emotional tangles that sabotage our families;
we can build on family strengths to establish the deep friendship and mutual commitment that undergirds lasting marriages and healthy families." 1.

Many organizations and resources provide help in the development of family relationship growth. (marriagelovepower.net)

Classes on marriage enrichment and parenting skills should be offered on a continuing basis, with classes focusing on premarital counseling, different stages of marriage, and childhood development.

HEALTHY SEXUALITY

Modern social influences are bombarding us with enticement into dangerous and destructive sexual behaviors that too often result in debilitating disease, broken trust, broken relationships, and broken lives.

Healthy sexuality focuses on ultimate concern for the individual lives involved and ultimate concern for the lives of children who develop from sexual togetherness.

PORNOGRAPHY DISTORTS HEALTHY SEXUALITY

Speaking out against the dangers of pornography and educating people, especially young people, about lustful addictions and sexual distortions that grow from pornographic images is an essential and valuable concern for health and wellness.

PREMARITAL ABSTINENCE AND FAITHFUL MONOGAMY WITHIN MARRIAGE

Our contemporary society is presenting sex as a toy for personal pleasure, even to the young. Tragic consequences related to sexually transmitted diseases, loss of self esteem, broken trust, children born out-of-wedlock, and abortion become the reality for too many people. Young people need to be given the understanding and commitment to resist the temptations of careless sexuality.

An understanding of the importance of sexual abstinence before marriage and faithful monogamy after marriage is a foundation for healthy sexual behaviors.

THE DANGERS OF 'SAFE SEX'

The careless double talk of 'safe sex' and the handing out of condoms, even to middle school students, puts sexual health in jeopardy. Condoms are not safe. They have a 14% actual use failure rate, a failure rate of 1 out of 6 or 7 time. This amounts to Russian roulette sex. The common use of the phrase 'safe sex' in regard to condom use is cruel, dangerous and careless.

THE SANCTITY OF LIFE IS THREATENED

Healthy living is a call to respect the value of each life, and a call to order our lives in ways that we support and cherish our own life and the lives of others.

Since 1973, abortion has taken the lives of over 50 million infants. About 80%
of abortions are performed on unmarried women, as young women are told that a fetus is 'merely a mass of tissue' rather than a developing child.

The development of the ultrasound machine is allowing women to respect and watch the growth of their child. Pregnancy centers are protecting and educating women in the development of their child.

Women who feel that they are unable to raise a child can be supported in their pregnancy and encouraged to offer their children to loving couples seeking a child to adopt.

PROTECTING TRADITIONAL FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

Heterosexual marriage is primarily a social issue. It becomes a religious concern and a political concern because it is a foundation for social integration, freedom, reproduction and health.

The normalization of homosexuality in society would create profound changes in social organization that warrant caution and serious consideration rather than the heated arguments that are being generated.

Social Integration -
The traditional family is the building block for the integration of society as members grow in understanding of various perspectives within the family. In spite of immense variation within the sexes, there remain fundamental differences in biological and psychological make up. Heterosexual marriage seeks to integrate these elements into a caring unit.
As men relate intimately to men and women to women, social disintegration will occur.

Social Freedom -
The family preserves and passes down its unique cultural values to the next generation, providing checks and balances in society which guard against destructive extremism. Homosexuality will jeopardize the intergenerational transfer of cultural patterns within society.

Social Reproduction -
Homosexuality will jeopardize social reproduction and the intergenerational transfer of genetic patterns. Reproduction will necessitate contrivance and manipulation, buying and selling.

Social Health -
Personal health risks associated with homosexual behavior are deeply troubling. According to the American Medical Association, homosexual youth are 23 times more apt to contact a sexually transmitted disease than their heterosexual counterparts. In the U.S., men who have sex with men account for 60-70% of estimated HIV infections, although they represent only 5-7% of the population.

CAUTION IS WISDOM -

Countless research studies confirm that the greatest sources of nurture, support and meaning for the majority of Americans are found within the family unit. Legal constraints maintain a sense of appropriateness. Extending the range of permissible behavior will put in jeopardy social integration, freedom, social reproduction, and social health.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS BEGINS WITH US AND OUR PERSONAL CHOICES.



1.United Methodist Marriage Ministries (Overview). www.marriagelovepower.net.

Homosexuality? Caution is Wisdom!

At the end of April, 2008 the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network and the United States Student Association will sponsor the 12th annual Day of Silence in many public schools across the country with the goal of increasing tolerance for the homosexual lifestyle among children.

I am astonished and concerned at how quickly our society has been influenced to move toward the normalization of homosexuality.

I am not here discussing homosexuals, many of whom contribute generously to their community. As individuals in society, every person deserves respect and consideration. I am rather considering the personal and social consequences of homosexuality as a normalized lifestyle.

Some argue that homosexuality has a genetic base. There is much debate about this.
A molecular biologist who headed studies on gay brothers in 1993 concluded that social influences play the leading role in determining homosexuality. He stated, "From twin studies, we already know that half or more of the variability in sexual orientation is not inherited."1.


Many behaviors, including premarital and extramarital sex, incest, sexual abuse of children, and polygamy, may have genetic predispositions; however, behavior is more than genetics. Behavior has a social dimension. To extend normality to behaviors that may be destructive to individuals and society and may take generations to repair is neither prudent, just, nor practical. 2.

The profound changes that would occur in social organization warrant caution and serious consideration, particularly in regard to social integration, social freedom, social reproduction, and social health.

Homosexuality and social integration

The normalization of homosexuality will encourage social disintegration as men relate intimately to men and women to women. In spite of immense variation within the sexes, there remain fundamental differences in biological and emotional makeup. Misunderstanding will develop as each sex holds the other in unrealistic awe on the one hand or loathing on the other.

The traditional family is the building block for the integration of society as individuals grow in
understanding of various perspectives within the heterosexual family. This family unit integrates men and women, children, grandparents and extended relatives in personal and caring relationships that transcend the generations. Countless research studies confirm that the greatest sources of nurture, support, and meaning for the majority of Americans are found within the family unit. 3. 3a.

To preserve and support the family as the building block for social integration, our schools need to include training in the processes that enable caring relationships in marriage and family, including skills in communication, conflict resolution, and compromise.

Homosexuality and social freedom

The essence of freedom in America does not rest on the belief that every person can do whatever he or she wants to do at all times. Freedom in America maintains our ability to preserve and protect our best values, express them within the culture, and pass them on to future generations. Social freedom requires responsible citizenship.

The family is the foundation upon which freedom is built. The autonomous family preserves and passes down it's unique cultural values to the next generation, providing the checks and balances in society which guard against destructive extremes.

Homosexuality will jeopardize the intergenerational transfer of cultural patterns within society.

Homosexuality and social reproduction

The normalization of homosexuality will jeopardize social reproduction and the intergenerational transfer of genetic patterns. Reproduction within the homosexual union will necessitate contrivance and manipulation.

The specter of eugenics becomes evident as the commercialization of reproduction through the buying of sperm and egg and the creating of children through deliberate planning by professionals (at high cost) replaces the caring and loving union of mother , father, children, and extended family.

Homosexuality and social health

Personal and public health risks associated with homosexual behaviors are deeply troubling.

According to the American Medical Association, homosexual youth are 23 times more apt to contact a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) than their heterosexual counterparts.4

* Syphilis rates in the U.S. that had significantly decreased in the 1990's, increased between 2001 and 2006, primarily among men. Syphilis rates attributed to men having sex with men (MSM) increased from 4% in 2000 to 62% in 2004.5.

* In a 1997 news article, The New York Times stated that a male teenager entering the homosexual lifestyle today has a 50% chance of getting AIDS by the age of fifty.6.

* By 1998, AIDS was the fifth leading cause of death for people ages 25-44. The first cases were reported in the U.S. in 1981 in the homosexual community. 77% of those affected with AIDS are male. Bisexual behaviors have transferred the disease to the heterosexual community.7.

* In the United States, MSM accounted for 70% of all estimated HIV infections in 2004, even though only about 5-7% of male adults and adolescents identify themselves as MSM.8.

* The cumulative estimated deaths of persons with AIDS in the United States in 2005 was 530,307 persons. 9.

Homosexuality comes to school

In the early 1990's homosexual activists sought to promote tolerance of the gay and lesbian lifestyles in the public schools, and to normalize these lifestyles in the public perception. The National Education Association promoted material entitled Affording Equal Opportunity to Gay and Lesbian Students. 10.

Although children have neither the experience nor the insight to evaluate this information, comprehensive sex education curriculums included discussions of homosexuality even in elementary materials. Teaching homosexuality as a viable and normal behavior to elementary children is of particular concern because preadolescent children typically gather in same sex groups, avoiding the opposite sex. To present this as a possible sign of homosexual attraction jeopardizes the ability of children to move into a healthy heterosexual relationship and marriage.

Caution is wisdom

In 1993, Morton Kaplan analyzed the changing patterns of sexual and family relationships and wisely cautioned against hasty and unexamined changes in family patterns. He states, "Our ability to function rationally depends on taboos and social and legal constraints that maintain character and a sense of appropriateness...I suggest prudence, that we do not allow a slippery slope to take us unawares... We need serious discussion rather than the polemics and the heat we are now generating." 11.

In 2003, a writer in the Wall Street Journal cautioned, "Most of the 'slippery slope' warnings of the last decades have proved tragically accurate despite the mockery that silenced them. From the domino theory, to drugs, divorce, to permissive sexuality, who can deny the devastation wrought by each - broken homes, addictions, AIDS?"

Personal and social effects of changes should be seriously weighed before extending the range of permissible behavior.

References

1. Palen, John A. Social Problems for the twenty-First Century. 2001. McGraw Hill:438-439.
2. Kaplan. Morton A. "Common sense on gay rights." The World and I October, 1993:403-407.

3. Marriage in America: A Report to the Nation. Council on Families. 1995:pgs. 9-11.

http://www.americanvalues.org/html/r-marriage_in_america.html.

3 a. Why Marriage Matters, Second Edition: Twenty-Six Conclusions from the Social Sciences. Institute for American Values. 2005.
New York, NY.
4. American Adolescents: How Healthy Are They? The American Medical Association. 1990: pg 31.
5. Center for Disease Control, STD Surveillance 2006.

http://www.cdc,gov/STD/stats/syphilis.htm. Jan 2, 2008.
6. Sheryl Gay Stolberg. "Gay Culture Sense and Sexuality". New York Times (late edition, east coast), 23, 1997. section4, pg. 1.
7. Center for Disease Control. July 2006. http://wwwcdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/print/msm.htm.
8. Center for Disease Control, April 2004.
9. Center for Disease Control-Basic Statistics. pg. 5. June 28, 2007.
10. Buss, Dale. "homosexual rights go to school." Christianity Today. Vol. 37, No. 6 (May 17) 1993:70-72.
11. Kaplan, Morton A. "Common sense on gay rights." The World and I. October, 1993:403-407.
12. Kaylan, Melik. "The Way We Live Now". The Wall Street Journal. Friday. August 8, 2003. Opinion Page