Exodus: Live Out Loud

University of Toledo Disciplines Administrator for Being Critical of Homosexuality

From CNA:

An administrator at the University of Toledo has been placed on paid administrative leave after writing a column in a local paper that argued against including homosexuals as “civil rights victims” and characterized homosexuality as a lifestyle choice.   

Crystal Dixon, associate vice president of human resources at the state-run University of Toledo, wrote a column for the Toledo Free Press in response to an April 4 column by the paper’s Editor-in-Chief Michael S. Miller.  Miller argued that Ohio is behind in “gay rights” and also criticized the University of Toledo’s lack of health care benefits for some domestic partnerships.

Dixon, who did not identify herself as a university administrator, argued in an April 18 column that those “choosing the homosexual lifestyle” should not be considered “civil rights victims.”  She said that while she cannot change her identity as a black woman, “thousands of homosexuals make a life decision to leave the gay lifestyle.”  Dixon referenced prominent individuals who had renounced their behavior, sometimes because of “a realization that their choice of same-sex practices wreaked havoc in their psychological and physical lives.”

Read the whole article >>

South FL High School Doesn't Have to Allow GSA on Campus

Okeechobiee, FL:

Okeechobee High School no longer needs to allow the Gay-Straight Alliance to meet on campus while the club’s lawsuit is pending, a judge ruled Tuesday.

Recent court filings in the federal case have revealed the club no longer has any more members at the school and a judge recently agreed to take the club’s name off the lawsuit. The suit still continues in the name of former president Yasmin Gonzalez, though the school district is trying to have her removed from the case because she already graduated.

The American Civil Liberties Union filed the suit on behalf of Gonzalez and the club in November 2006 under the Equal Access Act, saying their rights were violated by not allowing them to meet on campus. The school district has argued the school’s principal had the authority to ban the club because it conflicted with the school’s abstinence-only teaching policy and also raised concerns about sexual discussions occurring at club meetings.

Read the whole article >>

Christian Students May be Leaving CA Schools in Droves

From The Conservative Voice:

A broad coalition of Christian grassroots organizations have joined forces to call for California families and churches to rescue their children from California's public schools. 600,000 students may leave the California schools this year alone through their efforts. The growing coalition includes Eagle Forum, the Campaign for Children and Families, Exodus Mandate, and ten more sponsors, five of which are based in California. These organizations will be providing information to California parents and pastors concerning the new school legislation, how it mainstreams sexual deviancy, and what they can do about it. (Christiannewswire)

What SB 777 Means for Your Children With the passage of SB 777, homosexual activists now have state approval and a wide open door to promote their corrupting agenda.  SB 777 forces schoolchildren to support all aspects of transexuality, bisexuality, and homosexuality, mandating changes to all textbooks, instructional materials, and school activities.

Read the entire article >>

**NOTE** Exodus Mandate has no affiliation with Exodus International.

Canadian Teacher May Lose License

From LifeSite:

The last half a decade has not been easy on B.C. teacher, Chris Kempling.

In 2003 the soft-spoken educator was cited by the College of Teachers for professional misconduct, after he wrote in to a local newspaper outlining Christian teachings on homosexuality. After a hearing on the matter, Kempling was found guilty of the charges, and his teaching license was suspended for a month.

Kempling appealed that decision in the Canadian court system, all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada. In the process he spent "well over" a hundred-thousand dollars in legal fees, he says. In the end, the Supreme Court denied his appeal.

Read the entire article >>

Maryland Judge Blesses Pro-Gay Curriculum

School Board Member: "To the other side, I say get out of town, shut up..."

From WorldNetDaily:

A member of the school board in Montgomery County, Md., which has been working for years to overcome obstacles to its program that teaches students homosexuality is innate, has told members of a group objecting to the lessons to go away.

"To the other side, I say get out of town, shut up, quit costing Montgomery County taxpayers money for litigation, and we're right and parents believe we're right," board member Pat O'Neill said in a report in the Portland, Ore., Examiner.

Her demands followed a ruling from Maryland Circuit Court Judge William J. Rowan III that it is permissible for the district to teach students in Montgomery County how to use condoms during anal and oral sex, as well as that homosexuality is inborn, even though just a year ago Maryland's highest appellate court found there is no scientific basis for such a conclusion.

Read the entire article >>

GSA Clubs and Social Activism

From CitizenLink:

The Gay-Straight Alliance Network (GSA) is doing its best to make sure high schools use next week — the so-called Freedom to Marry Week — to rally support among students for same-sex "marriage." Schools are encouraged to feature mock weddings, guest speakers, teach-ins and a movie night with gay-themed films.

Randy Thomas, executive vice president with Exodus International, said the agenda is clear.

“GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) and GSA groups are all about indoctrinating our young people to a gay worldview," he told Family News in Focus. "And now they’re not settling for just indoctrinating young people, they’re trying to turn them into activists.”

Hat tip: Randy Thomas

NEA Demands 'Acceptance,' Not 'Tolerance'

From Renew America:

"That NEA advocates for the inclusion of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender issues in the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education teacher education program review process."

That was recommended at the NEA meeting in Orlando. That means that the NEA "recommends that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues be required content for teacher credentialing," according to AFA Action Alert.

... In addition, the NEA took out the term "tolerance" regarding homosexuality and supplied "acceptance and respect" concerning such alliances. "The author of New Business Item 52 used this rationale: 'We should teach acceptance and respect, not tolerance, of those who are different from us wherever appropriate.'"

What is particularly frightening in the light of teachers molesting students today is that NEA would not pass an amendment setting forth protection of pupils from "sexual misconduct by teachers."

"The amendment read 'To protect the rights of all students, the Association believes sexual contact between education professionals and minor students is unacceptable.' The NEA refused to pass the amendment.

Read the entire article >>

Sex-Ed Dispute Aired in Court

From WashingtonPost.com:

A six-year battle over the content of a new sex education curriculum in Montgomery County schools came down to two questions posed yesterday in a Rockville courtroom: Can the school board legally teach students that homosexuality is innate? And can the lessons discuss sex acts other than copulation?

Montgomery educators are defending the new curriculum, approved by the school board last summer, which addresses sexual orientation as a classroom topic for the first time. The lessons place the county at the fore of a trend among some of the nation's public schools toward more candor in discussing homosexuality. But they have prompted a strenuous challenge from religious conservatives who see the curriculum as a one-sided endorsement of homosexuality.

Read the whole article >>

Teen-Targeted Books Promote Alcohol, Drugs and Sexual Experimentation

From WorldNetDaily:

Publishers Weekly calls it "A nasty, guilty pleasure." So what is this book filled with shocking profanity, characters guzzling alcohol and smoking cigarettes throughout, taking illegal drugs, glorifying hedonism and selfishness, and where sex (including homosexuality) is always on their minds? Is this book and others like it tucked away at an "adult bookstore"? No, it is a novel from the No. 1 best-selling series titled "Gossip Girl," and it is probably at your local library and bookstore in the teen section. Teen People magazine dubs these books "'Sex and the City' for the younger set."

Read the whole article >>

In addition, groups that promote homosexuality to youth also offer dangerous influence through reading materials. GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network), which is the group behind the Gay-Straight Alliance club network, promotes a list of gay-affirming reading materials for students. Here are some of the selections they suggest for 7th to 12th grade readers.

Revolutionary Voices by Amy Sonnie is comprised of interviews with LGBT-identified youth from around the globe. One of the individuals showcased describes “his journey into sex work as a way of uplifting his self esteem.” The interview talks about how “doing sex work in drag” and sadomasochism can be “empowering” experiences.

Free Your Mind by Ellen Bass and Kate Kaufman is a guide-to-life for youth who think they may be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. In truth, this book is full of deceptive, dangerous advice. Teens are encouraged to find “meaningful” new “relationships” via gay and lesbian chat rooms on the internet. The book also greatly overstates the protection offered by condoms, and lists “bathing together” and mutual masturbation as “safe” sexual practices.

Find out what books are available to teens in your public schools and libraries. If the only books addressing these topics are like the ones listed above, consider donating books from the Exodus Bookstore, so they will be available to questioning teens who go browsing in the libraries for answers.

Middle School Cancels 'Gender-Switch' Day

From NewsBusters:

If a middle school in Northern California had on its events schedule a cross-dressing, gender-shift day encouraging children to attire themselves as a member of the opposite sex, wouldn't you expect liberal media members across the fruited plain to be all over the story?

Yet, according to Google News and LexisNexis searches, not one press outlet, including those near the situation in California, thought this matter was at all newsworthy.

   

Fortunately, as announced Tuesday by the Pacific Justice Institute, the event was canceled...

Read the whole article >>

GSA Network Board Member Resigns Amid Pornography Allegations

From Family News in Focus:

by Steve Jordahl

Peter Robertson resigned from the board of GSA Network, California’s largest organizer of school clubs that support gay teens, when it was discovered that he is also a pornographer. It appears he recruited young subjects during his tenure.

Mike Ensley was 17 and living in the gay lifestyle when Robertson asked him to pose nude.

“He identified himself as a photographer and just introduced himself as a friend, basically, and told me what he did and expressed interest in taking photographs.”

When Ensley said he was underage, Robertson asked him to call when he turned 18. Ensley has come out of the gay lifestyle and now works for Exodus International. He was astonished to see Roberson’s name on the Board of GSA Network.

Read the whole article >>

2nd Annual Allies, Too Campaign

Exodus Youth's second annual Allies, Too campaign has been announced for November 5 - 9, 2007, and we're kicking it off with a brand new website! This year, students will be able to make a much more visible impact on their campuses with new t-shirts and buttons.

The Allies, Too campaign was created to give Christian students an opportunity to voice their commitment to making their high school and college campuses safe, harassment free, and truly diverse.

You may have discovered that sometimes those who advocate "tolerance" and "diversity" are really only seeking to get their own viewpoint up on a soapbox--and silence or smear anyone who dares to disagree.

We believe that tolerance means people treat each other with respect even when they disagree, that we are willing to hear each other out, engage in dialog, and pursue a peaceful and friendly environment even when we can't get others to come over to our way of thinking.         

The Allies, Too campaign is a call to set aside our agenda on the issues for a moment and stand up for the things we can all agree on: true tolerance, safety and respect. It's a chance to throw off the dishonest, unfair labels of bigotry and hatred that some people use to silence others' points of view. It's a call to your community to engage in honest reasoning and debate, not a culture war.

Come check it out!

California Senate Passes Homosexual Curriculum Bill

By a vote of 23-13, the California Senate has approved SB 777, a bill that will require schools to portray homosexual, bisexual and transgender lifestyles in a positive light to students from Kindergarten to 12th grade. Randy Thomasson, the president of the Campaign for Children and Families, was quoted as saying that parents "are angry at Democrats for passing this school sexual indoctrination bill and frustrated that Republicans did little to fight it."

The bill forces the California education code to redefine terms like "sex" and "gender," and forbids any sense of bias against alternative lifestyles in curriculum or school activities. Conservative groups are hoping Governor Schwarzeneggar will veto SB 777 as he did a similar bill last year.

The Los Angeles Unified School District has already implemented SB 777's policies, according to the Christian Post. Allegedly, boys in the district who identify as females are allowed to enter the girls' locker room and rest rooms.

Grandparents File Lawsuit over "Brokeback" Shown to 12-year-old

From the Associated Press:

A girl and her grandparents have sued the Chicago Board of Education, alleging that a substitute teacher showed the R-rated film "Brokeback Mountain" in class.

The lawsuit claims that Jessica Turner, 12, suffered psychological distress after viewing the movie in her 8th grade class at Ashburn Community Elementary School last year.

The film, which won three Oscars, depicts two cowboys who conceal their homosexual affair.

Turner and her grandparents, Kenneth and LaVerne Richardson, are seeking around $500,000 in damages.

"It is very important to me that my children not be exposed to this," said Kenneth Richardson, Turner's guardian. "The teacher knew she was not supposed to do this."

According to the lawsuit filed Friday in Cook County Circuit Court, the video was shown without permission from the students' parents and guardians.

The lawsuit also names Ashburn Principal Jewel Diaz and a substitute teacher, referred to as "Ms. Buford."

The substitute asked a student to shut the classroom door at the West Side school, saying: "What happens in Ms. Buford's class stays in Ms. Buford's class," according to the lawsuit.

Richardson said his granddaughter was traumatized by the movie and had to undergo psychological treatment and counseling.

In 2005, Richardson complained to school administrators about reading material that he said included curse words.

"This was the last straw," he said. "I feel the lawsuit was necessary because of the warning I had already given them on the literature they were giving out to children to read. I told them it was against our faith."

Messages left over the weekend with CPS officials were not immediately returned.

The Day of Silence

Tomorrow is the Day of Silence. Many high school students across the nation will experience the silent demonstration by their peers all day, and possibly receive materials produced by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) through their local GSA club. It's quite possible that many school administrators and teachers will also partake in the demonstration, lecturing students about GLBT issues.

It's important that GLSEN, for the most part, be opposed and not allowed to take free reign with the educational system. I'm not talking about opposing the goal of safer schools—but that isn't GLSEN's only goal, or even their primary one.

GLSEN is all about promoting the mistaken belief that homosexuality, bisexuality and transgenderism are innate, unchangeable, and should be unconditionally celebrated by all. Furthermore, they encourage young people to make unhealthy and often dangerous lifestyle choices. It's all over their programs and materials.

For instance, take a look at their "recommended reading" for 7^th through 12^th graders: books like Rainbow Boys, a fictional narrative in which a teen boy has an anonymous sexual encounter with an older man. Or Revolutionary Voices, which calls prostitution an "empowering experience." The book Free Your Mind urges young people to leave their churches and cut family members out of their lives if they aren't gay-affirming, telling them they can make more "meaningful relationships" via gay and lesbian chat rooms.

Massachusetts parents were outraged when GLSEN, using state funds, hosted a workshop for hundreds of students in which they promoted dangerous sexual activities that I can't even describe to you without this being an X-rated post. Despite the fall-out from the first time this happened, the workshop returned the next year, minus a few endorsements.    

GLSEN knows its real agenda is extremely controversial, which is why they work so hard to bar other points of view from the school system, create hostility against opposing beliefs, and keep parents out of the loop.

But your average student participating in the Day of Silence has no idea what GLSEN is all about. This organization works hard to make its image all about tolerance, safer schools, ending harassment, etc. These are admirable goals, and that's what draws students to buy into their events and programs.   

While the Day of Silence is part of an agenda that's nothing like real tolerance, for most of the speechless students you'll encounter on Wednesday, it is just about creating a safe environment. Which makes their goal and yours pretty similar.

The Day of Truth isn't about politically defeating gay-identified people, and it certainly isn't about defending bullying or true bigotry. We're proclaiming the fact that God has created us with a beautiful design, and that those who struggle with their sexuality and don't want to be gay (and there's lots of them) don't have to be. And we are saying that true tolerance means we can get along even when we disagree.

Day of Truth events from coast to coast, tomorrow night:

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Tulare, CA

School Allows Day of Truth - After Legal Pressure

A Danbury, CT high school, which fully endorsed the pro-gay Day of Silence, initially refused one student's right to express her own beliefs through the Day of Truth. That's when Alliance Defense Fund stepped in. From Inside Tennessee:

After receiving a letter from attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund, the principal of Danbury High School agreed Wednesday to allow a student to promote and participate in the Day of Truth after first having prohibited the student from doing so.  The school officially endorses the Day of Silence, an event promoting the homosexual agenda, but had thwarted student Rosemary Shakro’s attempts to promote the Day of Truth by inviting a speaker to a club meeting and posting signs announcing the event.

“Christian students should be allowed to express their viewpoint just like any other student,” said ADF Legal Counsel Matt Bowman.  “The Day of Truth is an opportunity for Christian students to respectfully present a different viewpoint than students participating in the Day of Silence.  Allowing students to have a Day of Silence without allowing students to have a Day of Truth limits free speech and the free exchange of ideas.”

“We are pleased that we had the opportunity to explain the law so that the school could do the right thing and respect the First Amendment rights of this student and any other students that wish to observe the Day of Truth.  We hope other schools will follow this example for their students,” Bowman added.

Shakro wished to invite a guest speaker to her “Youth Alive” after-school club meeting this Thursday as part of activities leading up to the Day of Truth.  The school has allowed other clubs, such as the Gay-Straight Alliance, to have outside guests speak at school assemblies and club meetings.  However, the school’s principal, who prohibited a speaker for last year’s Day of Truth, prohibited this year’s speaker as well, saying that the Day of Truth is too “controversial” and “counteractive.”  The principal had also claimed that “anti-homosexual” speech is prohibited at the school and that the presentation could cause contention among students.

“In addition, the principal had prohibited the posting of signs in school hallways announcing the club meeting, nonsensically suggesting that the ‘All are welcome’ message on the sign was an invitation to the general public to trespass on school property,” Bowman noted.

Bowman sent a letter to the principal explaining the law, and the school now says that Shakro will be allowed to invite the speaker and to post signs announcing the meeting.

“According to the law, a school cannot allow students to promote one viewpoint and then prohibit promotion of another viewpoint.  School officials also cannot ban speech just because they think it’s unpopular or controversial.  We are very pleased that Rosemary’s constitutional rights will be respected,” said Bowman.

A copy of the letter sent to Danbury High School is  available at www.telladf.org/UserDocs/ShakroLetter.pdf. 

NEA Shuts Out Advocate for Change

Courtesy of AgapePress:

A conservative educator from Pennsylvania received a chilly response while addressing delegates to the National Education Association's annual convention held in New Orleans earlier this month.

Sissy Jochmann, a second grade teacher from Pennsylvania and chair of the Conservative Educators Caucus, delivered a two-minute speech in which she urged the NEA to support students in their right to choose not to engage in homosexual behavior. But Jochmann says delegates booed and shouted angrily at her while she spoke.

Jochmann's speech called on the NEA to provide "a full range of information and support resources available on homosexuality" and to be more tolerant of people on all sides of the issue. But the audience met Jochmann's proposal with antagonistic heckling and jeers.

"At one point -- the representative assembly -- I was speaking to over 9,400 people. It was a thunderous roar -- they didn't even want to consider debating it," she says.

Apparently the powerful educators' union is less tolerant than it purports to be -- and Jochmann is not the first to call attention to the organization's double standards.

In an editorial written for the organization Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays, Dr. Warren Throckmorton revealed that the NEA convention for the past two years has denied exhibit space to PFOX. Last year, convention organizers told PFOX, an organization that supports homosexuals' right to choose to change their sexual orientation, that no space was available -- although they continued to sell exhibition space to other groups. This year, the NEA refused even to accept the group's application.

Read more >>

Homosexually-Inclusive Sex-Ed Program Approved, Creates Controversy

School board says, "Bring it on."

From the Washington Post:

The Montgomery County Board of Education approved new sex-education lessons yesterday for the eighth and 10th grades that teach what it means to be homosexual but say little about how people become gay, resisting pressure from a divided community to define homosexuality as nature or nurture, right or wrong.

Approved by a unanimous vote, the lessons mark the first time Montgomery schools will introduce the topics of sexual orientation and homosexuality. The materials, including a new 10th-grade condom-demonstration DVD, will be field-tested in a handful of middle and high schools in spring, barring intervention by the courts.

Some school board members said they expect a lawsuit from the same community groups that persuaded a federal judge to halt a version of the curriculum in spring 2005. U.S. District Judge Alexander Williams Jr. found that the curriculum presented one view of homosexuality, "that homosexuality is a natural and morally correct lifestyle," to the exclusion of all others.

"I believe we will be sued. That's okay. . . . Bring it on," said board member Sharon W. Cox (At Large).

Leaders of the protest groups said yesterday that they would consider their legal options and signaled that they have the same objection to the new curriculum as to the old one: They say it offers one viewpoint, favorable toward homosexuality, anal sex and premarital sex. Observers on both sides have predicted that "viewpoint neutrality," or lack thereof, would eventually form the basis of a lawsuit.

"Absolutely nothing is allowed to be said that is negative about homosexuality," said Ruth Jacobs, an infectious-disease specialist and member of Citizens for a Responsible Curriculum, which, with Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays, sued to block the curriculum in its first incarnation.

Read the rest >>

Books with Sexual Themes Get Pulled from School Library

From the New York Daily News:

Sixth-graders at a Queens school were getting quite an education - in homosexuality, French kissing and cursing - thanks to three books widely available in classroom libraries.

But after numerous complaints from parents at Public School 150 in Sunnyside, the books - a profanity-laced poetry book, short stories about homosexuality and a novel called "First French Kiss" - were pulled from the shelves last week.

Several parents learned of the racy books after overhearing their kids snickering about the sexual themes.

Read the rest of this article >>

Do you know what reading materials your kids will find in their school?

PFOX Flier Creates Controversy at a Maryland High School

From the local NBC affiliate--

SILVER SPRING, Md. -- A flier from a group called Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays, or PFOX, has started a controversy in Silver Spring.The flier was handed out during homeroom to students at Montgomery Blair High School . . . Gay students at the high school said the group behind it is homophobic.

The school said it had no choice but to pass it out. PFOX says it reaches out to gay teens offering unconditional love and support to homosexuals who want to become straight. Promoting a way out of a gay lifestyle, the nonprofit group offers to expose teenagers to "ex-gay" people.

"What we're saying is that, if you have unwanted same-sex attraction -- and there is a difference -- then there are alternatives, and homosexual feelings can be overcome," said Regina Griggs of PFOX.

The one-page handout taken home by hundreds and thrown out by others created a firestorm on campus.

Administrators, faculty and students quickly blasted the group as an anti-gay, homophobic organization.PFOX claims it is a resource for students.

Read the rest of this article >>

As a formerly gay-identified individual, I am familiar with the one-sided viewpoint of sexuality that's prevalent in the public school system. In high school, I was encouraged to embrace homosexuality not only by my peers, but also by members of the faculty who promoted that belief through their classroom teachings, and even in personal conversations with me.

In the beginning of my struggle, I didn't want to be gay; I wanted my life to be in harmony with my faith, and I wanted to accept myself as another one of the guys. Unfortunately, I never heard anything about the thousands of people who are living free of their once life-dominating same-sex attractions. I know my teens and early twenties would have been vastly different if I had just heard the truth a little sooner.

While those like the staff and faculty of this particular school, who believe change isn't possible, are entitled to have and express their opinions, they should not be entitled to silence those of others. Claiming to be against discrimination, they willfully seek to discriminate against any viewpoint that doesn't agree with their own. They negate not only faith, but the lives and stories of those of us who have experienced change. Worse yet, they seek exclusive rights to propogate their views on sexuality to a captive audience of young people.

I commend PFOX for speaking the truth despite the names and accusations hurled at them. I pray that their work--and ours--will continue to be protected, and will cause the message of freedom to reach the minds and hearts of struggling people sooner, to spare them the grief of a lifestyle that doesn't offer what they're looking for.

Exodus Youth Releases Outreach Guide

Exodus Youth has just released its latest resource in the Truth and Tolerance series: the Outreach Guide. This booklet is a comprehensive resource for reaching out to LGBT-identified youth and young adults with the truth and grace that is only found in Jesus Christ.

The Outreach Guide is for youth groups, Christian clubs and student organizations who are looking for a way to speak Biblical truth about sexuality while also befriending, loving and sharing Christ with those who are struggling with or embracing homosexuality, bisexuality or transgenderism.

The Guide contains outlines for various types of events, tips for sharing and communicating well, important legal information, and more. Click here to find out how to get this FREE resource.

"Allies, Too" Press Release

        Orlando, FL- The world's largest outreach to those desiring freedom from homosexuality is launching its first national campaign to promote truth, authentic tolerance and safety in schools across America. The Allies, Too campaign offers an approach to these issues that both nonreligious students as well of students of faith can embrace.  To learn more about Exodus Youth: www.exodusyouth.net To learn more about Exodus: www.exodus.to        

        Allies, Too comes amid recent national dialogue about improving school safety and preventing bullying and harassment among students. The Bush administration addressed these issues at last week's summit on school violence.        

        Allies, Too offers resources for students, teachers and youth leaders and was created as an alternative to the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network's (GLSEN) Ally Week being held this week. Students participating in Ally Week are required to sign a pledge promising to "actively support safer school efforts" promoted by GLSEN - an organization that often promotes policies and information that conflict with Christian beliefs about sexuality.        

        "We want students to know that you do not have to drop your personal faith at the school door in order to promote compassion and dignity among your peers," said Scott Davis, Director of Exodus Youth. "Authentic tolerance includes diverse beliefs and opinions and a healthy environment in which to discuss them.       

        "We hear from hundreds of students grappling with their sexuality who have been further isolated because of the hurtful words of their peers," said Davis. "We want schools to be a safe place and to encourage caring individuals to be a safe place for these young people in churches and in other youth forums across America."       

        Exodus Youth is a division of Exodus International that helps teens and young adults struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction to find life and healing in Christ. Exodus Youth offers a variety of resources to youth as well as training and education for youth leaders. Exodus Youth has recently released the "Truth and Tolerance Leader's Guide" - a comprehensive booklet aimed at helping youth leaders address homosexuality in a group setting and minister to young people as well.        

        To learn more about Exodus Youth: www.exodusyouth.net

Gay Advocates Claim the Right to Indoctrinate Children

From WorldNet Daily:

A collection of 'gay' organizations has filed a friend-of-the-court brief in a Massachusetts lawsuit, claiming they have every right to teach their doctrine to grade-school students.

Parental rights, according to the brief filed this week, "have never meant that a parent can demand prior notice and the right to opt a child out of mere exposure to ideas in the public schools that a parent disapproves of."

That includes, according to the brief, religious or any other ideas.

The new brief was filed in a Massachusetts District Court lawsuit by Lexington parent David Parker, whose civil rights case is pending, by the Human Rights Campaign, the ACLU, Massachusetts Teachers Association, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders and others.

"The amici organizations urge this court to grant the school defendants' motion to dismiss because the scope of the rights of religious freedom and parental control over the upbringing of children, as asserted by the plaintiffs, would undermine teaching and learning in the Lexington public schools," the brief alleges.

"Why are all these groups – especially the national groups – so interested in a parent's right to decide what moral issues are taught to his children by adults in elementary schools, especially regarding homosexuality," asked Brian Camenker, president of MassResistance.

That group said it is a "pro-family action center for Massachusetts" which equips citizens to fight attacks on freedoms, constitutional government, children and parental rights.

"This is outrageous and very frightening. They must see David Parker's case as quite a threat to their ability to push their message on children," he said.

Read the whole article >>

Pro-gay groups that have focused on the educational system have repeatedly shown their belief that they have the right to undermine parental authority and values. Senator Sheila Kuehl of Los Angeles, for instance, has written bills that deny California parents the right to opt their children out of pro-gay "tolerance training" courses, or even the right to be notified that such classes are taking place. Her previous efforts have also abolished all language of "abstinence until marriage" from California sex education curriculum, something many parents fought hard to put in place.

Groups like GLSEN--who promoted graphic sex workshops for minors--and their political counterparts like Kuehl, are setting aside the safety and well-being of our youngsters for the sake of their sexually permissive ideals.

Christian Post Reports on "Allies, Too"

From The Christian Post:

Ally Week is promoted by Gay-Straight Alliance clubs in high schools nationwide for the purpose of a safer school environment. The national week was launched last year to create allies to put an end to anti-LGBT bullying and harassment in schools. Exodus Youth, however, announced the new "Allies, Too" movement to support the same effort of safer schools but for Christian students...

At the launch of Ally Week last year, conservative Christian group the American Family Association had criticized it as a "doorway" for Gay-Straight Alliance clubs to recruit fellow students.

Victoria Cobb, executive director of the Family Foundation of Virginia had called the campaign an "assault on our values by the homosexual community through our public schools."

While concerns were raised among Christian groups and parents, "Allies, Too" was newly formed this year to call Christian students to be an ally too during the week (Oct. 15-21) and speak out in solidarity with the goal of making schools safe while still taking a stand for God's design for sexuality. As thousands of Christian students will have the chance to show the love of Christ to their peers, the campaign will seek to create a harassment-free place for students regardless of beliefs or backgrounds.

Read the Full Article >>

Exodus Youth Announces "Allies, Too" Campaign

This October 15-21, Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) clubs in high schools across the US are promoting an event called “Ally Week,” in which they encourage non-LGBT-identifying teens to pledge their support for making schools safe for LGBT students.

Here at Exodus Youth, we want schools to be a safe and harassment-free place for all students, and we know that millions of Christian students share the same desire. While Ally Week is meant to have this effect, the pledge involved requires students to promise to “actively support safer school efforts” promoted by GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network), which often involve policies and ethics which conflict with Christian beliefs concerning sexuality. This can leave many Christian students feeling as though they must choose between holding to their beliefs and looking like a bully.

Still, the fact that our beliefs are different doesn’t mean we can’t work together for safer schools for everyone. So, Exodus Youth is creating the Allies, Too campaign, in which Christian students can voice their support for safer schools without compromising their faith in God’s Word!

Similar to Ally Week, the Allies, Too campaign provides students with pledge cards they can distribute and sign to show their commitment to making their school a safe and tolerant place, without necessarily agreeing with all the values and behaviors promoted by GLSEN. Exodus Youth is also providing various resources for Christian students can use to educate their clubs and youth groups about issues concerning sexuality, and to reach out to their LGBT-identified peers with the Gospel.

Get your youth groups and Christian clubs involved in this special opportunity to show that Truth can be spoken in Love!

Berger's Statement Generates Anger

Dr. Joseph Berger's recent statements have caused a bit of anger in certain parts of the gay identified blogosphere.  Dr. Throckmorton also reports on this.

Dr. Joseph Berger is reported to have stated (original article removed from the NARTH website):

I suggest, indeed, letting children who wish go to school in clothes of the opposite sex - but not counselling other children to not tease them or hurt their feelings. On the contrary, don't interfere, and let the other children ridicule the child who has lost that clear boundary between play-acting at home and the reality needs of the outside world.  Maybe, in this way, the child will re-establish that necessary boundary.

After contacting NARTH about our concerns over this statement, Exodus received the following reply  from them explaining the organizational view of Dr. Berger's advice.  They gave us permission to release this statement from them.

NARTH disagrees with Dr. Berger's advice as we believe shaming, as distinct from correcting can only create greater harm.Too many of our clients experienced the often life long, harmful effects of peer shaming. We cannot encourage this. 

Here is the Exodus response to the above clarification from NARTH.

Exodus commends NARTH for its distinction regarding the harmful emotional damage of peer shaming. So many of us as former homosexuals know, firsthand, that public or private humiliation can serve no beneficial purpose. We must demonstrate compassion and honor the dignity and  worth of each person.

HRC's Back-To-School Tips for Gay Parents

Scott Davis, Exodus Youth Director, wrote the following:

In a recent email to gay and lesbian parents, HRC admits that being the child of a gay parent isn't always the greatest thing in the world:

Better dust off those backpacks and sharpen those pencils — back-to-school time is here again. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender parents often face a unique set of challenges when it’s time for the kids to head back, whether it’s talking to them about fairness for GLBT families or working with school administrators to create a welcoming learning environment. Find out more about what GLBT parents need to know at this time of year.

"Unique set of challenges" is certainly a mild way to put it. Study after study proves that children need both a mother and father figure who are actively involved in their lives. Children of gay or lesbian parents are automatically denied healthy male or female influence as they grow up. This places them at a tremendous disadvantage as they head off to school, where they must now learn own their own how to interact with both males and females.

HRC makes an even more startling admission in the text of the article, saying "Our children do not need to bear the burden of the struggle for GLBT rights and diversity in their schools".far before the welfare of children.

Perhaps this means they will halt their vocal and monetary support of student groups devoted to homosexual activism! But I doubt it. Based on their actions, activism seems to come

For a redemptive view of sexuality and young adults please visit http://exodusyouth.net.

Public Education News

Teacher reads 2nd-graders story about 'gay' wedding

"While two parents in Lexington, Mass., are upset about the fact their second-grade son was read a fantasy book in school about two princes getting married, what makes them even more angry is the fact the boy's teacher said because same-sex marriage is legal in their state there is no way a mother or father can opt out a child from such experiences. "- WorldNetDaily.com 19 Apr 2006

read more:

http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=49813

Groups unveil homosexuality school risk audit 

"...the Southern Baptist Convention approved a version of a resolution that....urged parents and churches to investigate their local school districts...Linda Harvey of Mission America developed a survey instrument known as the "Risk Audit" to assist Christian organizations, churches and parents in determining whether their local school districts are placing children at risk by having clubs, programs, policies, or curricula that could influence children to regard homosexual behavior as an acceptable lifestyle."- Misssion America, 24 April, 2006

read more:

http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?idCategory=34&idsub=127&id=3365

Day Of Truth” confronts the homosexual agenda

"Not content with their so-far stalled efforts to get "same-sex marriage" judicially imposed on America, the vanguard of sexual advocacy is now at work on a new strategy –- effacing any recognition of authentic marriage from textbooks, school materials and the minds of America’s children.

Calif. Senate Bill 1437 passed California’s Senate Judiciary Committee the first week of April, bound for a vote on the Senate floor. The bill, as currently conceived, would virtually rewrite the state’s history and social science textbooks to fit the conceits and demands of the homosexual legal agenda, laying the groundwork for gender-neutral school bathrooms and the elimination of all education material references to such “homophobic” terms as “mom and dad,” or “husband and wife.”- Alan Sears, Baptist Press, 24 Apr 2006

read more:

http://www.bpnews.net/bpcolumn.asp?ID=2224

How homosexual school clubs offer sex to students

"...many times when a school tries to prevent a "GSA" from starting on campus, the American Civil Liberties Union or a similar legal group steps in. They will claim that students who prefer homosexuality have the right to this "viewpoint." Misapplying the federal "Equal Access Act," they will maintain that if other non-curricular clubs exist, then this type of club should exist, too. This, of course, ignores the prerogative of all schools to ban any activities that are per se harmful to kids and homosexuality is exactly that. But through framing it as a "viewpoint" and not a behavior, the ACLU manages to suppress the health risks – or get the school officials to do so. And in most cases, the schools and their boards will concede and cave. "-Linda Harvey, WorldNetDaily.com 25 Apr 2006

read more:

http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=49889

NC School Board Bans GSA Club

A North Carolina school board has decided to ban a Gay-Straight Alliance or any similar club from forming at South Rowan High School. Don't expect that to be the end of it.

Club supporters said Tuesday that the ban breaks the law and wouldn't survive a legal fight.

"This is not the first time this has happened, and I think a lawsuit against the Board of Education is the way to challenge it," said Mette Anderson, executive director of Time Out Youth, a nonprofit organization for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth in the Charlotte area...

Chairman Bryce Beard said he personally had nothing against the alliance, but could not justify allowing a club that so many people oppose.

"For the board to have approved that, it would give it a legitimacy," he said. "We listen to the community and the community doesn't want that in South Rowan."

I'm afraid that legal attempts to bar these clubs are just delaying the inevitable, though I agree that the city should be making this effort for the community and its youth. I can only oppose the concept of creating a group centered on sexual preferences within the public school system--for students who are, for the most part, too young to legally engage in sex.

As the 'coming out' age for teens continues to drop and the average gay-identified youth has their first sexual experience at around 14, I question organizations like Time Out Youth, which provides group meetings as well as overnight trips for people ranging from 13 to 23 years of age.

The answer is not going to be legal action, however. Even if the school board was successful in barring the formation of the GSA, I don't believe that would be the whole answer. Our message can't be just 'homosexuality is bad,' but has to include, 'here is something better.' That's why I support initiatives such as the Day of Truth, and Exodus Youth is working on an effort called Truth and Tolerance in order to equip youth leaders and young people to impact their schools and communities with the Gospel and with healthy alternatives to embracing homosexuality.

California Bill Would Require Teaching of 'Gay History'

A new bill being considered by California's state senate would require public schools to  present history lessons which "accurately" present "the contributions of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender to the economic, political, and social development of California and the United States of America." Some conservatives are reacting:

``We're totally opposed to inserting sexual orientation into textbooks in our schools. This is more than just accepting it, it's forcing our kids to embrace it, almost celebrate it,'' said Karen England, executive director of the public-policy group Capital Resource Institute, which believes teaching about sexual orientation should be left up to parents.

``This is not about discrimination. California is one of the most friendly gay, lesbian and transgender states in the nation,'' England said. ``This is a bold and out-front attempt to do what I think has always been the goal of a small but very loud group.''

The bill's author, Sen. Sheila Kuehl, D-Los Angeles, rejects the criticism. ``We've been working since 1995 to try to improve the climate in schools for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender kids, as well as those kids who are just thought to be gay, because there is an enormous amount of harassment and discrimination at stake,'' she said.

I wish there was more help for all students who are harassed and bullied for whatever reason. I don't think forcing a sexual ethic on young people is a legitimate way to do that. It's a disservice to adolescents to encourage them to attach a word like 'homosexual' or 'transgender' to themselves simply because they are experiencing confusion, isolation or longing for same-sex relationships.

And who is going to make sure this information is "accurate?" The task will probably fall to the GLSEN or the Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Don't get me wrong; I don't believe we should omit a certain person's contribution to society because they practiced homosexuality in their private life. But do their contributions stem from their sexuality?

I realize many movies, songs and writings which I've enjoyed come from people who were homosexual. I honor that person for the gift God gave them; I don't credit their sexual preference for that gift. Sadly, I've talked and corresponded with many young men who have been led to consider their affinity for art, dance or music as 'homosexual' traits. It's an indictment against our culture that we pigeonhole the masculinity of young men who are gifted in these beautiful ways.

When I was 'coming out,' there were members of the faculty at my school who encouraged me to embrace a homosexual identity, even to experiment sexually. While that gave me some short-term happiness and resolve, it ended up hurting me much more in the long run.

Furthermore, Senator Kuehl has already demonstrated a commitment to the radical fringe of the pro-homosexual movement. She recently sponsored a bill which would have potentially required schools to provide 'gender-neutral' bathrooms and remove 'gender-biased' terms like Mom and Dad from school text books.

Public Education news

Genderless School Bill causes Flap

http://www.vvdailypress.com/2006/114277983322762.html

A Moral Battle Ground a Civil Discourse

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/20060320/cm_usatoday/amoralbattlegroundacivildiscourse

'Twin Bills of Destruction' Threaten Family Values in California Schools
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/3/202006a.asp

Legal issues lead to cancellation of Diversity Day at Viroqua High

http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2006/03/21/news/1news21.txt

Oklahoma Aims to Ban Homosexual Books from the Kids’ Section of Libraries

http://www.family.org/cforum/fnif/news/a0039826.cfm

"In Oklahoma, legislators are attempting to remove books with homosexual and sexual themes from the children’s sections of their libraries.

Library Director Sydne Dean occasionally gets complaints about books in her library.

“Sometimes it’s remove the book, and sometimes it’s more appropriate for the adult or young adult collection, and just move it to another section.”"-Josh Montez, Family News In Focus 13, Mar 2006

Common Ground on Sexual Orientation in Schools

http://www.family.org/cforum/fnif/news/a0039792.cfm

"In the culture wars no two groups are farther apart than the homosexual lobby and the Evangelical movement. But representatives from both groups sat down to find a solution to the issue of sexual orientation in schools. The recommendations seem to please both sides. Finn Laursen of the Christian Educators Association thought twice before sitting down with someone from the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN).

“It certainly was something I prayed about to make sure that there was wisdom in doing that.”- Steve Jordahl, Family News In Focus, 10 Mar 2006

ADF Demands NC Governor's School Drop Course on 'Gay' Teenagers

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/3/22006c.asp

"A Christian attorney says a homosexual advocacy seminar for students at the North Carolina Governor's School, a prestigious, six-week summer program for academically gifted and talented high school students, was offered in violation of state and federal law.

The Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) has sent a letter to North Carolina school officials, demanding they stop offering "The New Gay Teenager," a seminar presented to elite high school scholars last summer at the North Carolina Governor's School facility in Winston-Salem, known as Governor's School West or GSW. Some parents claim the two instructors who led the seminar encouraged students to question Bible passages condemning homosexuality."- Jim Brown, Agape Press, Mar 2, 2006

Lesbian Teacher, Suspected Sex Offender, Uses Post to Indoctrinate Students, Parent Says

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/2/242006b.asp

"A lesbian teacher who helped lead a controversial pro-homosexual seminar at the North Carolina Governor's School last year is being investigated for alleged sexual misconduct with a student.

Social studies teacher Susan Wiseman was suspended from East Forsyth High School without pay recently after allegations arose of her having had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student. A local district judge recently revoked a gag order that had prevented Forsyth County officials from notifying parents of the identity of the suspected sex offender."- Jim Brown and Jenni Parker, Agape Press, Feb. 24, 2006

Georgia Considers Outing Extracurricular Clubs

http://www.family.org/cforum/news/a0039594.cfm

"Some Georgia lawmakers say they have a solution for parents who worry about controversial school clubs: The House passed a bill requiring parents to sign off on their child's participation in all extracurricular groups.

Support for the legislation grew after homosexual activists threatened to sue schools for blocking gay student clubs — often called "gay-straight alliances."- CitizenLink, Feb. 20, 2006

Ky. students can't skip anti-gay harassment training

http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/news.aspx?id=16508

"Students have no religious or free-speech right to opt-out of school training aimed at stopping anti-gay harassment in Boyd County schools, a federal judge has ruled.

U.S. District Judge David Bunning said "there is simply no basis for an opt-out" because the training does not endorse any viewpoint or require students to disavow their religious beliefs. Three students had skipped the mandatory sessions at Boyd County schools.

Bunning wrote in an opinion issued Feb. 17 that mandatory training "to address the issue of harassment at school, including harassment based upon actual or perceived sexual orientation, is rationally related to a legitimate educational goal, namely to maintain a safe environment."- Associated Press, Feb. 20, 2006

Gay issues new flash point in sex education at schools

http://www.azcentral.com/offbeat/articles/0219SEXED0219.html

"When David Parker opened up the book Who's in a Family? given to his 5-year-old son last year at Estabrook Elementary School, he was livid.

The school said the book, which portrays contemporary family structures including those headed by same-sex parents, was part of a broader array of materials intended to promote diversity in the Lexington, Mass., school district. But to Parker and his supporters, the book is part of a "homosexual agenda" inappropriately peddled in the classroom."-Sara Miller Llana, Christian Science Monitor, Feb. 19, 2006

Denver Archdiocese uncovers sexual abuse bias for public school teachers

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=5988

"In a continuing battle against what many of the state’s faithful call an unfair bias against Catholics, the Archdiocese of Denver has uncovered a previously unseen, but sordid list of sexual abuses by many of Colorado’s public school teachers.

The Archdiocese has lifted the lid on some 85 Colorado Department of Education reports of sexual impropriety among teachers since 1997. Reportedly, the state had revoked or denied teaching licenses, all for reasons involving sexual misconduct with minors.  But critics charge, the punishment ended there. "- Catholic News Agency, Feb. 15, 2006

Gay Marriage - Where Do Teachers Stand?

http://www.americandaily.com/article/11313

"...almost a year ago the California Teacher's Association (CTA) endorsed AB19 supporting gay marriage. Bill Collins, Legislative Advocate for the largest teacher's organization in the state, wrote a letter to Assemblyman Mark Leno on February 18, 2005 in which he said, "The state has no legitimate reason to discriminate by prohibiting same-sex couples from marrying...use our endorsement of AB19 as may be helpful to its enactment."... What is the CTA doing lobbying for gay marriage? Why are union dues being spent to support this venture? The CTA's own mission statement limits their involvement to issues affecting teachers as professionals. How is gay marriage an issue that professionally affects teachers?" In Collins' letter he states that the endorsement was "voted by some 800 teacher-delegates from throughout the state." But does this endorsement represent the majority of California teachers?"- Sharon Hughes, The American Daily, Jan 18, 2006

Pro-Homosexual School Posters Fostering 'Intolerance'

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/1/302006a.asp

"Five teachers at San Leandro High School have refused to abide by a school district order to display a rainbow flag poster in their classrooms. The notebook paper-sized poster sports the logo for the San Leandro Unified School District (SLUSD) as well as the inverted pink triangle, an international symbol for "gay pride." Addressing itself to "lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, [and] questioning youth," the poster reads: "This is a safe place to be who you are. This sign affirms that support and resources are available for you in this school."-Jim Brown, Jody Brown, Jan. 30, 2006 Agape Press

Legislation Gives Unrestrained Power to State Superintendent Concerning Pro-Homosexual Curriculum

http://www.earnedmedia.org/cri0109.htm

To: National Desk

Contact: Karen England of the Capitol Resource Institute, 916-498-1940, 916-212-5607 cell

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 9 /Christian Wire Service/ -- Last week AB 606 (D-Levine) was gutted and amended to permit the state superintendent to withhold state funds if a school district fails to create policies on how to combat discrimination and harassment against homosexuals.

The superintendent may also withhold funds if a school district fails to increase awareness, prevent, and ensure appropriate responses to incidences of discrimination or harassment.

AB 606 would also force school curriculum to contain pro-homosexual instruction. Current provisions in the law exempting pro-homosexual curriculum from the classroom would be repealed under AB 606.

"All violence on school campus is unacceptable, schools should be able to deal with specific incidences of violence without being required to indoctrinate children that homosexuality is acceptable," said Karen England of Capitol Resource Institute.

"It is outrageous that AB 606 would permit Jack O'Connell to arbitrarily withhold funds from a school district if he happens to think they are not adequately promoting pro-homosexual sentiment on a particular campus," said England. "This is too much power for one elected official. It should be up to the courts to determine whether the conduct of a school board is in compliance with state law. "

"Under AB 606, a school board's hands will be completely tied. They will have to either completely cater to the state superintendent's whim or decide to go without funding for education in order to fight for their policy."

Capitol Resource Institute is opposed to expanding pro-homosexual curriculum in our public schools because it infringes upon parental rights and the sincerely held religious convictions of both parents and students.

Read AB 606 online at: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/asm/ab_0601-0650/ab_606_bill_20060104_amended_asm.html

PFOX Spokesman: Despite Its Denials, PTA Does Promote Homosexual Agenda

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/1/42006f.asp

"A prominent mental health counselor is criticizing the new president of the National Parent Teacher Association over her recent justification of the PTA's decision to allow a homosexual activist group to present a workshop at its national convention last summer, yet deny exhibit space to an "ex-gay" group....

Grove City College professor Dr. Warren Throckmorton, a spokesman for PFOX, believes Weselak is engaging in doublespeak. "She said that the PFLAG presence there was to help educate and inform parents on the topic of bullying," Throckmorton says, "and yet that's all PFOX wanted to do as well, but they wanted to do it from their particular perspective."

According to Throckmorton, PFLAG did not just talk about bulling in their presentation at the PTA convention. "In fact, they had an article that was distributed to all the attendees criticizing my work in sexual identity therapy," he notes. "Now what does that have to do with bullying?"- Jim Brown January 4, 2006

Student-funded center aiding gays questioned at UT

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/122905dntexutsexcenter.1740f86d.html

"Since last year, a student-funded center at the University of Texas at Austin has offered counseling, workshops, forums and other services to gay, lesbian and female students.

Now some Texas conservatives are targeting the Gender and Sexuality Center, saying UT students shouldn't have to pay $80,000 a year in fees for a center that "promotes a lifestyle" a majority of Texans reject – particularly when parents are struggling to afford college costs.

"They're obviously trying to promote an agenda on one side of the political spectrum," said Will Lutz, a columnist who wrote a scathing piece on the center for the socially conservative Texans for Texas group. "What we've created is a government-funded advocacy group for values a lot of Texans don't agree with."

Within the next year, conservative groups say they plan to draft legislation that would require the center to be paid for by private sponsors instead of student fees. "- Karen Brooks, The Dallas Morning News. Dec. 28, 2005

Age of innocence at risk

www.hernandotoday.com/MGBR0Q7IJHE.html

"Beverly LaHaye, founder and chairwoman of Concerned Women for America (CWA) is angry. In fact, she is beyond angry after researching what is happening in public schools where she found that a gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) is pushing a grade school curriculum that promotes cross-dressing.
A program created by a homosexual parents group at the Buena Vista Elementary School in San Francisco includes a lesson based on a children's book entitled "Jesse's Dream Skirt." A stage production of a poem from this book was presented at the school that depicted Jesse in a skirt and high heels. The poem has 12 stanzas, the last one being:
So let them say I'm like a girl!
What's wrong with being like a girl?
And let them jump and jeer and whirl
They are the swine, I am the pearl!
And let them laugh and let them scream!
They'll be beheaded when I'm queen!
When I rule the world! When I rule the world!
When I rule the world, in my mommy's high heels!"- Joseph Tomaselli, Dec. 22, 2005

School Board's Pro-Homosexual Appointments Have Maryland Citizen Activists Concerned

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/12/192005b.asp

"A Maryland school board is under fire for placing members of three pro-homosexual groups on its new Citizens Advisory Committee on Family Life and Human Development (CAC). Among the groups represented on the committee are the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL), Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), and Teach the Facts, a homosexual advocacy group whose founder has close ties to the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN).

Members of a conservative parents group called Citizens for a Responsible Curriculum (CRC) are criticizing the Montgomery County Public Schools ((MCPS) for the pro-homosexual appointments to its advisory committee. Also, CRC says a settlement agreement they reached with the school board guarantees them a chair on the committee, yet the board is not allowing the group to designate its own representative."- Jim Brown, Agape Press, Dec. 19, 2005