Focus on the Family Remains Undeterred in Attempt to Present Facts on Homosexuality; 24th Natl. Conference Heads to Oklahoma City Amid Warnings of Local Opposition

9/29/2003

From: David Gasak of Focus on the Family, 719-548-4570 or gasakdp@fotf.org

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Sept. 29 -- Focus on the Family is coming to Oklahoma City, and bringing with it a message of hope -- for those struggling with unwanted homosexuality, change is possible. The pro-family organization brings its 24th national Love Won Out conference to Oklahoma City's Bethany First Church of the Nazarene on Oct. 25 amid opposition from local homosexual activists, which includes an event of their own in protest of Love Won Out.

"The opposition being displayed by gay activists in Oklahoma City is really quite indicative of the myopic application of tolerance being displayed by liberal activist groups nationwide," said Mike Haley, a former homosexual and Love Won Out conference host.

Recently, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) called for public action against the CNN program Larry King Live. Focus on the Family founder Dr. James Dobson was Mr. King's guest, and GLAAD was furious that Dobson was allowed to speak on the show.

"Thousands of men and women know firsthand that there is a way out of unwanted homosexuality," Haley continued. "Attempting to silence and discredit us displays a cruel disregard for individual, civil and human rights and attempts to deny us our right to choose not to be gay.

"It's quite hypocritical for organizations like GLAAD to continue to call for the silencing of opposing viewpoints while demanding acceptance of their own."

The Love Won Out conference offers practical help for those wanting out of homosexuality. Conference speakers include experts in the field of homosexuality and gender identity, such as Joseph Nicolosi, Ph.D., president of the National Association of Research and Therapy of Homosexuality. Dr. Nicolosi has just written A Parent's Guide to Preventing Homosexuality and has appeared on the Fox's News Channel's O'Reilly Factor. Other speakers include Dick Carpenter, Ph.D., a veteran teacher, principal and college professor; and Jane Boyer, a nurse practitioner and former lesbian.

Since its inception in 1998, Focus on the Family's Love Won Out conference has shared its message with more than 19,000 people in 23 cities and has seen nearly a 25 percent increase in attendance over the past year.

"Gay activists continue to force-feed their message to our culture while attempting to silence any opposing viewpoint," Haley concluded. "But people continue to hunger for the truth, and our hope is that Oct. 25 will be a day of hope and healing for them."

More information is available at: http://www.lovewonout.com.