Detroit Residents to Hear Experts Debunk Myths About Homosexuality; Focus on the Family Sponsors Conf. Amidst Warnings of Opposition

4/21/2003

From: David Gasak of Focus on the Family, 719-548-4570 or 719-440-0391 (cell) E-mail: gasakdp@fotf.org Web: http://www.family.org

News Advisory:

As Americans grapple with an onslaught of sexually confusing messages in the media, public schools and even churches, Focus on the Family will visit the Detroit area to host a one-day symposium designed to help the public understand the myths clouding the issue of homosexuality. Hundreds of attendees from 11 different states are registered for the April 26 Love Won Out conference, taking place at Tri-City Christian Center in Canton, Mich.

Local gay activist groups plan to protest the event.

"From gay characters on television to 'diversity' training in the work place, the issue of homosexuality is constantly in the media and touches almost every part of our lives today," said Mike Haley, a former homosexual and Love Won Out conference speaker. "Many in Detroit are troubled by the one-sided message they are hearing and have invited us to share another perspective."

The Love Won Out conference is the only one of its kind and addresses topics such as the clinical development of homosexuality; the relationship between homosexuality and genetics; the pro-gay agenda in public schools; homosexual recovery; and the responsibility of Christians to offer an appropriate, compassionate response to the homosexual community.

The one-day event features 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 authored 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.

Haley, a married father of two who shares his story as a former homosexual at the Love Won Out conference, said, "Despite attempts to discredit our message, people continue to be touched by it and many more hunger to hear the truth. I and thousands of others know that change is possible and we will continue to offer hope to families who have been devastated by homosexuality and to the individuals who feel trapped by it. We welcome anyone to our conference who is interested in hearing this side of the story."

Since its inception in 1998, Focus on the Family's Love Won Out conference has shared its message with more than 16,000 people in 20 different cities and has seen nearly a 25 percent increase in attendance in the last year.

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

James C. Dobson, Ph.D. is a psychologist, author, radio broadcaster and the 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.