'Ex-Gays' Launch Ad Campaign Opposing Hate Crime Laws

The "ex-gay" ministries launched a a new, misleading ad campaign today that mocks hate crime victims. It ran in the Orlando Sentinel, The Indianapolis Star, The Nevada Appeal, and Roll Call to harass Senators concerned about stopping hate violence.

The ad features four "ex-gays" and reads: "Hate Crime Laws Say We Were More Valuable As Homosexuals Than We Are Now As Former Homosexuals."

This abusive ad is disgusting and vomit-worthy - and I must say, I've never used those two adjectives in the same sentence before. But to exploit hate crimes as a sneaky backdoor way to promote an "ex-gay" message is just vile and shows a lack of character.

It is also false advertising. Hate crimes laws are important because they give law enforcement the tools they need to solve such awful crimes. Furthermore, they do not pit one group against another since all Americans are covered. For example, hate crime legislation covers real or perceived "sexual orientation." This means gay, straight or bisexual.

http://www.waynebesen.com/2005/12/ex-gays-launch-ad-campaign-opposing.html

Personally, I think the only value of "ex-gays" is serving as crash-test dummies.

If it's real or perceived sexual orientation, then someone who got beaten because he called himself an ex-gay would also be protected by it, as "ex-gay," I guess, could be considered a sexual orientation. Right?

Priceless observation kweerwolf:



Sadly, there are still many who believe that sexual orientation is a matter of choice, and can be changed with a little self-determination and sacrifice. It disgusts me that anyone, especially an "ex-gay", would mock these acts of violence.

These "ex-gay" ministries are led by such colorful Fundies as James Dobson of Focus on the Family, and what really drives me mad is the way the issue of discrimination has been turned on its side. Fundamentalist Christians are screaming that they are the ones being discriminated against...and that they are being forced by law to "accept" the gay lifestyle. What's frightening to me is that in many areas this tactic is working.

Grrrr.

We're happy you used your very first post here with us ... and look forward to many more from you! :hi:

I've actually been stalking the sites for awhile now...but was too busy to reply as I was in the middle of an anti-discrimination campaign here in Maine.

Thanks for the kind welcome!

Maine was a true silver lining around the dark cloud that was Texas on election day!

A toast to you and your fellow Mainers! :toast:

for your kind words regarding Maine. We've worked a good long time on this...almost 30 years. It was an exceptional day when we finally put this particular issue to rest.

Shouldn't they be interested in keeping gay people alive in the hopes that they may eventually be arm-twisted into accepting Jeebus?

Killing a police officer/public figure should be treated as the same as any other homicide. Try ang get that one past the lawbooks.

that they are being persecuted because they are alleged heterosexuals now. It is laughable and a terrific waste of money.

What I'd like to know is why these newspapers so easily allow space for this kind of advertisement, yet continue to tell some gay organizations they can't publish ads for our community.

Chances are they'd argue gay ads go against "community standards" (though it doesn't say much for a community's standards when they allow ads from hate groups).

An editor I used to work for once accepted an add from the KKK. He ran it in the same issue where he wrote an editorial denoucing the KKK and announcing that the money the KKK paid for the ad had been donated to the NAACP. Needless to say, the Klan never came back to buy any more ads.

No offense, but "ex-gay" people act "more gay" than most "non-ex-gay" gay people that I know.

I can't decide if I'm really angry at the so-called "ex-gays" or just feel really sorry for them.

Talk about mal-adjusted.

money off of tapes, t-shirts or personal speaking engagements?

It's more "we can cure you, for 6 easy payments of..."

...the effect it has on young LGBT Teens. If an adult wants to parade around in a delusional world, then that's their business, but it makes me ill to see how it effects young children. We've all been there, and what is worse than having this type of message pushed in your face? (Or worse, having your parents find out you are gay and buying into their BS.)

I bet these ex-gay people were straight all-along. There is no way, unless possibly maybe they are bisexual, maybe. I cringe thinking that some people believe they can "change" their sexuality.

"What would it take for me to change you to homosexual?" To which they reply, they cannot change.