Exodus Leaders Demonstrate at APA Convention
CHICAGO--About 40 leaders from
Exodus-affiliated ministries throughout North America staged a demonstration today
outside the main entrance hall of the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association. They were
joined by representatives from other parallel organizations which promote freedom from
homosexuality through faith-centered counseling and "reparative therapy."
The demonstration centered on the message
that "reparative therapy"--a term applied to any type of counseling which aims to help men and
women move away from unwanted homosexuality or lesbianism--should be a viable treatment
option for anyone wanting it. The APA and other secular groups have issued statements
in the past two years condemning such therapy and any attempts to "convert" homosexuals to
heterosexuality.
The APA had scheduled a debate between professional therapists supporting and
condemning reparative therapy, but the debate was cancelled several weeks ago when the two
pro-gay panelists withdrew. The debate was to have been moderated by Dr. Robert
Spitzer, a psychiatrist who was instrumental in the 1973 decision to remove homosexuality from the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Dr. Spitzer witnessed an ex-gay
demonstration at last year's APA convention and subsequently began interviewing dozens of
men and women who claimed to have successfully left homosexuality; many of them are now married
with children. Now Spitzer believes that change in sexual orientation is possible for some people, and that
reparative therapy should be an ethical option for those who desire it.
The demonstrators carried signs such as: "Keep reparative therapy ethical," "I love my ex-gay husband," "I've
changed--it's possible!" and "It's my right to change."
Gay-rights activists told the media that they would be
present to stage a counter-demonstration, but none occurred.
Following the hour-long demonstration, about a dozen ministry representatives spoke at a
90-minute press conference. Each read a 3-minute statement condemning the APA's
position on reparative therapy and urging the APA and other scientific organizations to
investigate the truth about reparative therapy and the thousands of ex-gay men and women
who claim to have changed.
Former homosexuals and lesbians who spoke at the press conference included: John Paulk
(Exodus North American chairman and a staff member at Focus on the Family in Colorado
Springs), Bob Davies (North American director, Exodus International), Yvette Cantu Schneider
(Family Research Council, Washington, DC), Richard Cohen (Director of the International
Healing Foundation, Bowie, MD) and Jim Gentile (Executive Director of Transforming
Congregations).
Other participants at the press conference were professional therapists, including Dr. Joseph
Nicolosi (president of the National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality), Dr.
Dean Bird (member of Evergreen International, a Mormon ex-gay organization) and Dr. Samuel
Rosenberg (director of JONAH, Jews Offering New Alternatives to Homosexuality).
Regina Griggs, director of Parents and Friends of Ex-gays (Washington DC), spoke at the press
conference as the mother of a son involved in homosexuality. Michael Lumberger, a board
member of Exodus North America and director of Dunamis Ministries in Pittsburgh, spoke on
behalf of American minorities and, in particular, the African-American church and
African-Americans who are overcoming homosexuality.
About a dozen reporters attended the press conference, including representatives from the
New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, the local FOX TV affiliate, several gay newspapers,
"Family News in Focus," and a freelance photographer from the Associated Press.
The coalition of ministries represented at the protest also placed a full-page advertisement in
today's issue of USA TODAY. The ad had large photos of smiling people who have all left
homosexuality, including John and Anne Paulk (and their two children), Michael Lumberger, Amy
Tracy, Jay Stone, and Mike and Angie Haley on their wedding day. The ad said:
"[HEADING] AND THEY SAY ALL THIS JOY IS DANGEROUS?"
"There's Inexpressible Joy in Freedom"
"Thousands of men and women have found indescribable joy in overcoming unwanted
homosexuality. And countless true stories from ex-gays confirm what counselors see every day:
hope for change is possible for those struggling with same-sex desires. Yet, a small minority of
psychological activists in our country claim that our joy isn't real. In fact, the American
Psychiatric Association (APA) asserts that 'ethical' counselors ought to refrain from helping
people change their sexual orientation because this can be harmful and cause depression. Hey,
do we look depressed?
"We Refuse to Be Silent About the Truth
"This week, the APA holds its annual convention in Chicago. Unfortunately, they cancelled today's scheduled debate on this issue of therapy to homosexuals. Why? Perhaps it's all in the name of political correctness. Sure, people want the right to live any way they choose. Who's denying that? We're just wondering why the APA seeks to deny the rights of struggling homosexuals who want help? Shouldn't people searching for help out of homosexuality be able to find it? Yet, the APA is moving in a direction to silence the dialogue--and the hope.
"Open-Minded People Can Rethink Their View
"Psychiatrist Robert L. Spitzer, M.D. was a key player in the original 1973 decision to remove
homosexuality from the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. He
was moved to rethink the issue of sexual reorientation therapy when a group of former homosexuals picketed a
1999 APA meeting. Since then, Dr. Spitzer has talked to numerous ex-gays and has had a
radical change of mind regarding the possibility of change. During an interview with Dr. Laura Schlessinger on January 21, 2000, he said, "I'm
convinced from people I have interviewed, that for many of them, they have made substantial
changes toward becoming heterosexual.
...I came to this study skeptical. I now believe that for many, these changes can be sustained."
Indeed, thousands of people have succeeded in changing--with and without therapy. Don't others have the right to hear about this kind of success?
"We Defend the Legitimacy of Therapy for People Struggling
With Homosexuality
"The APA refuses to recognize this kind of reorientation therapy as ethical and effective.
This is scientifically weak. When psychiatrists dismiss the honest and deeply-held
values of their patients, these doctors are actually demonstrating a disregard for diversity, and a
refusal to respect the patient's right to dignity, autonomy and self-determination.
"We Believe in Giving Americans a Choice
"On the issue of coming out of homosexuality, Americans deserve to know the truth: freedom
from homosexuality is a reality for many. Homosexual activists rightfully demand
that we respect their right to define themselves as gay. So, what about the men and women who define
themselves as ex-gay? Many homosexuals have found themselves dissatisfied with the gay
option and seek professional assistance. Don't they have the right to pursue their dream of
heterosexual singleness or conventional marriage and family? We have. And our joy is great."
At the bottom, the ad states: "Today at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Ill., at 9:00 a.m., we are
sharing this message and demonstrating for our civil rights in opposition to the APA's position."
The ad also says: "This message of hope is brought to you by the following organizations assisting thousands of American families dealing with unwanted homosexuality:
National Association for Research & Therapy of
Homosexuality
Exodus International North America
Focus on the Family
Parents & Friends of Ex-Gays
Evergreen International
Transforming Congregations
International Healing Foundation
Jonah (Jews Offering New Alternatives to Homosexuality)"
The phone number and website for each ministry is also listed.
The ad, which cost $53,000, was paid for by an anonymous Christian businessman who has been deeply committed to
various "ex-gay" ministries in recent years.
"This event was unprecedented," said Bob Davies, director
of Exodus North America. "This is the first time we have had representatives from such a wide variety of 'ex-gay'
ministries come together to demonstrate a united opposition. The APA position is one of the most
serious threats to our future existence as an organization."
Davies also said the direction of the APA is "ominous" for every Christian professional
counselor in America. "If the current trend continues, it will soon be unethical and
perhaps even illegal for Christian therapists to offer hope and change to gays," Davies said. "We simply
cannot stand idly by and allow this tragedy to occur. I'm glad we came together from across the
country to stand up for our rights and defend the truth."
(END)
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POSTSCRIPT: The protest was reported on the front page of the following day's Chicago Tribune
(May 18). The story was also carried worldwide by the Associated Press (print) and
the Associated Press (radio). Exodus reps did interviews on "Janet Parshall's America"
(nationwide radio), "Family News in Focus" (North American-wide radio), and various local
radio programs.
Pray that various magazines, such as Christianity Today and others, will publish follow-up articles
in the coming month
