News
2005-11-23
Far-right
group to use Macy's parade to spread antigay message
Focus on the
Family is promoting a new Web site that claims homosexuality
can be changed through faith.
The balloons at
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade won't be the only things
filled with hot air this week in New York.
Antigay Colorado group Focus on the Family said
Tuesday that its members plan to distribute 5,000
"stress balls" along the parade route to promote a Web
site it operates that claims that homosexuality is a
disorder that can be cured through faith.
Visitors to the site, TroubledWith.com, who think they
might be gay or lesbian are told, "You're
not simply 'wired that way.'" In another section,
visitors are told that being gay or lesbian can
be prevented, because "like other adult problems,
homosexuality begins at home. Mom and Dad are key players."
Also to blame are porn, the media, and "seduction by peers."
The Web site also
carries faith-based advice on topics ranging from
eating disorders to depression.
Focus on the Family plans to run 30-second
commercials in the New York market during The Oprah
Winfrey Show and Dr. Phil. The group is
already running ads on an electronic billboard in
Times Square.
The conservative ministry appears to be in a
desperate search for new, younger followers to
tune in to the radio show by Focus founder James
Dobson. Web site creator Steve Watters told the
Associated Press that the number of listeners has not
been growing in recent years and that most people who
call for help are in their late 40s. (Advocate.com)
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