FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 1, 2004
Contact: Regina Griggs, PFOX executive director, at 703-360-2225
PFOX Thanks President for Ex-Gay Inclusion at Republican National
Convention
Washington DC ---- Today, Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX)
called on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and other gay activists to end
their negative campaign against ex-gays attending the Republican
National Convention. HRC, which has asked President Bush to deny ex-gay
singer Donnie McClurkin a chance to perform at the convention, is a gay
rights organization with a history of undisguised prejudice against
ex-gays. PFOX is a national organization that supports families and
works to eliminate discrimination against the ex-gay community.
“Ex-gays have every right to participate in the political process as
other Americans and should not have to live in fear of abuse because
they choose to speak about leaving homosexuality,” said Regina Griggs,
PFOX executive director. “HRC and other gay activists demand tolerance
for homosexuals, yet refuse to show tolerance to former homosexuals and
their supporters.”
“As a Grammy award winner and an ex-gay man, African-American singer
Donnie McClurkin is an excellent choice to entertain the Republican
convention,” continued Griggs. “On behalf of the ex-gay community and
families nationwide, PFOX thanks President Bush and Ed Gillespie, RNC
Chair, for their commitment to diversity.”
“HRC’s irrational phobia of those who have overcome unwanted same-sex
attractions perpetuates misunderstanding and harm against ex-gays. It
also demonstrates a disregard for diversity and a refusal to respect a
basic human right to dignity and self-determination,” said Griggs. “HRC
and other gay rights groups must acknowledge that both gays and ex-gays,
as human beings created by God, are worthy of respect.”
McClurkin is slated to perform at the convention on Thursday.