Former Homosexual Testifies for U.S. Congress

1/30/2004

From: Regina Griggs of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays, 703-360-2225 or ex-gays@earthlink.net, Web: http://www.pfox.org

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 -- Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX) congratulates Mike Haley, a former homosexual and Manager of Gender Issues at Focus on the Family (Focus), on his testimony before a congressional subcommittee addressing faith-based organizations. Haley coordinates Love Won Out conferences, which present information on the causes and prevention of homosexuality and are sponsored by Focus, a non- profit Christian organization. Love Won Out travels to the nation's largest cities speaking with a life-changing message to tens of thousands of people. PFOX is a national grassroots organization that supports families affected by homosexuality and advocates for equal rights for the ex-gay community.

The House of Representative's Government Reform Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy, and Human Resources held a hearing on January 23 to determine what qualities and practices make faith-based organizations effective and unique providers of social services. Although Focus does not accept federal funds, Mike Haley explained to the subcommittee that he offers a unique insight into the causes and recovery of the homosexual condition because he lived as a gay activist for 12 years.

"As the mother of a son in the homosexual lifestyle, I am pleased to see that testimony on sexual orientation from an ex-gay perspective is being presented to Congress," said Regina Griggs, PFOX Executive Director. "Our PFOX family members support the right of homosexuals to choose change. This choice must be respected by everyone. The irrational phobia against those who have overcome unwanted same sex attractions perpetuates misunderstanding and harm against the ex-gay community. It also demonstrates a disregard for diversity and a refusal to respect a basic human right to dignity and self-determination."

Gender-affirming therapy is advocated by the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality, a scientific organization of medical professionals who practice sexual reorientation therapy. Dr. Raymond Fowler, CEO of the American Psychological Association (APA) and Dr. Ronald Perloff, prior APA president, agree that gender-affirming therapy should be available to those who wish to explore developing heterosexual feelings or behavior as part of every client's right to self- determination. A Columbia University study of former homosexuals by Dr. Robert Spitzer showed that same-sex attractions may be overcome. Ironically, Dr. Spitzer is the psychiatrist who initiated the removal of homosexuality from the psychiatric diagnostic manual in 1973.

Explained Griggs, "Other groups insist that parents love their children only on the condition that parents affirm the child's homosexual lifestyle. PFOX believes that parents should love their children unconditionally and without any stipulations. We must respect the dignity of all people, gay or ex-gay."