…Just the (So-called) Facts

Homosexuality is not a mental disorder and it does not require a cure. That's the word from health professionals, and it's what they want our children taught in school. A coalition of distinguished pediatricians, psychologists, and educators has mailed a booklet called "Just the Facts" to school superintendents around the country. But it turns out the booklet is short on facts and rather long on propaganda. The authors represent the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Federation of Teachers, and the American Psychological Association, among others. They say they mailed the booklets because schools are being inundated with "inaccurate" information by conservative groups. And just what is this so-called "inaccurate information?" Well, the booklet doesn't identify. But apparently it is the belief that homosexuality is a disorder that can be cured. The booklet claims that reparative therapy and religiously based transformational ministries are "likely to exacerbate the risk of harassment, harm, and fear" among homosexual teens. Attempts to change a teenager's sexual orientation, says the booklet, has "little or no potential for achieving changes in orientation." The authors also accuse reparative therapists of aligning themselves with "societal prejudices against homosexuality." In reality, of course, when "Just the Facts" authors call certain information "inaccurate," what they really mean is that they disagree with it. Let's take a look at some REAL facts. First, homosexuality DOES cause mental problems. A study conducted by Otago University's Christchurch School of Medicine in England confirmed that homosexuals are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and to attempt suicide. And then there's the claim that reparative therapy does not work. Wrong again. A Wall Street Journal article written by five secular psychiatrists found that up to 50 percent of those who seek treatment to overcome homosexuality "experience significant improvement." And religiously-based ministries like Exodus International report high rates of success, as well, with many former homosexuals going on to marry and have children. So much for the "fact" that therapy doesn't work. Just as important as the facts the authors include are the ones they leave out: For example, the American Public Health Association reports that more than three-quarters of all homosexuals acquire a sexually-transmitted disease at least once. It's evidence that the gay lobby is not really interested in the truth. Its real goal is to pressure schools to present homosexuality as normative—and to paint anyone who opposes their agenda as an intolerant bigot. In reality, societies around the world and throughout history have universally recognized that homosexuality is NOT normative. If you have a child in public school, find out if "Just the Facts" is influencing the curriculum. And if so, you ought to challenge it with school authorities. Thankfully, some school officials are evaluating the booklet for what it's worth—and filing it, so to speak, in the round file. Among them is Antioch, California schools chief Lee Jenkins, who dismissed "Just the Facts" as mere "opinion." "Probably," he says, "the most reliable source is former homosexuals who have given up that lifestyle." Absolutely right, Mr. Jenkins. It's a fact gay lobbyists don't want you to hear.

12/22/99