Pro-Family Leader Dobson Defends Sen. Santorum Against Gay Activists, Condemns Intimidation Campaign

4/25/2003

From: Julie Neils of Focus on the Family, 719-548-4634; e-mail: neilsja@fotf.org web: http://www.family.org COLORADO SPRINGS, April 25 -- Today on his daily broadcast, Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, condemned attacks launched by homosexual activist groups and liberals who are calling for the removal of Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) from his leadership position. The pro-family senator has come under fire for comments he made about the potential legal consequences of a Supreme Court case involving a Texas sodomy law. Santorum noted that if the court claims homosexual acts must be protected by a "right to privacy," then so are bigamy, polygamy, incest, adultery and any other "consensual" sex act -- a stance he said "undermine(s) the fabric of our society." Tom Minnery, Vice President of Public Policy for Focus on the Family, responded, "Senator Santorum is absolutely right. The role of government is to uphold standards that are healthy for society. For many reasons, homosexual behavior doesn't rise to that level." Minnery added, "Senator Santorum doesn't owe anyone an apology. Marriage between one man and one woman has always been the foundation of our culture. Decades of research -- to say nothing of plain common sense -- have proved this fact, and no amount of intimidation or defamatory verbal attacks will change it." "Unfortunately, Senator Santorum is simply the latest target for activist groups who want to intimidate and silence any criticism of their agenda -- proving once again that there is no tolerance extended for those with differing views," said Minnery. "This senator has been a courageous and tireless defender of the family and we stand beside him." Dobson, heard by an estimated 8.9 million listeners a week, also urged others to call Sen. Santorum, the White House and their senators to express support for the pro-family senator. To hear today's broadcast, log on to: http://www.family.org. --- James C. Dobson, Ph.D. is a child psychologist, author, radio broadcaster and founder of Focus on the Family. Founded in 1977, Focus on the Family is a nonprofit Christian organization committed to strengthening the family in the U.S. and throughout the world.