The very visible inclusion of the "ex-gay" people  may have been part of the bargain - in fact Dobson may have demanded it in his meeting with congressional leaders last week. The reparative therapy movement didn't arise by accident. It is the "kinder, gentler" face of the homophobic right. Afraid that overt gay bashing might alienate all but true believers, the reparative therapy movement allows the right to claim they are "treating" an illness (NARTH) or "ministering" to those who are suffering (Exodus). There is considerable cross-fertilization (sorry) between the groups and they've taken serious hits. The approach has been criticized by virtually all relevant medical and mental health professional groups because of its lack of empirical support as well as evidence that some people are harmed by their "treatment."

Right now, the ex-gay movement is struggling to gain credibility and visibility and the WH appearance fits into that agenda. It should be noted that NARTH has been asking American Psychological Association members to sign a petition asking for recognition and acceptance of reparative therapy by APA (about zip chance). They're also touting an ex-APA President and his book that's critical of mainstream therapy. It's not clear what Cummings' agenda was in getting involved with the group; he and his co-editor have been less than forthcoming in response to queries.

It's also important to remember that, although some of these groups may operate as non-profits, they make a lot of money through the sale of "educational" materials (books, pamphlets and DVD's) as well as road shows like Dobson's Love Won Out. Surprise, surprise! LWO is coming to DC on June 10 and Chambers is featured. How convenient. A little free advertising?  


by Psyche on Mon Jun 05, 2006 at 06:49:08 PM EST

http://debrahaffner.blogspot.com/2006/06/five-minutes-today-to-op pose-federal.html

Or, read the rest of Rev. Haffner's blog at http://debrahaffner.blogspot.com and visit the Institute's homepage at www.religiousinstitute.org

by Religious Institute on Tue Jun 06, 2006 at 01:27:49 AM EST

It will be interesting to see if the American people bite this time as they did in the last election where this issue was largely credited with turning out huge numbers of of right wing voters.

My hope is that it will fail this time as people realize there are more important things to worry about than legalizing discrimination against a minority group.  As the war slogs on in Iraq and as the casualties mount, the American people will want an answer to the question: When can we leave? So far, Bush and Karl rove cannot provide an answer and hopefully the republican party will pay for being associated with history's most incompetent president.

by azteach on Mon Jun 05, 2006 at 02:49:58 PM EST

1.  Most of these Christianists appear to believe that they never even have met a gay or lesbian person, in person.  This is not possible for an American in the 21st century CE.  Are they dim?  Are they all lying???  Seriously, can anybody explain this?

2.  Did Karl Rove somehow cause the issue of Gay Marriage to come to a head during the last presidential election?  Gay Marriage enrages the Christianists.  It got them all out to vote.  It may well have decided the election.