|
|
Rekers' Rent Boy Scandal - New Disclosures Meet the Political History of the Religious Right
Behind the scenes Religious Right leader Rev. Dr. George Rekers has certainly emerged from the shadows since the Miami New Times disclosed that his chosen travel companion for ten days in Europe was a male prostitute.
Professor George, as he likes to be called, states on his web site, that contrary to the New Times report, he did not find his escort through Rentboy.com, (even though the rent boy himself confirmed it to the New Times)and that he did not have sex with that man. But the story is unlikely to go away any time soon, the efforts of the organizations with which he is most affiliated, not withstanding. The New Times reports that the religious right organizations with which he is affiliated are ducking the story; Box Turtle Bulletin reports that the University of South Carolina has erased Rekers from its web site; and the Miami New Times reports on their new interview with "Lucien" in which he discloses what Rekers was paying for: Rekers allegedly named his favorite maneuver the "long stroke" -- a complicated caress "across his penis, thigh... and his anus over the butt cheeks," as the escort puts it. "Rekers liked to be rubbed down there," he says.
The 'they said-he said-he said' story will likely go on for some time -- but while Rekers is in the spotlight, we will also very likely learn a great deal about Rekers' role in the development of the Religious Right, and his role in the development of anti-gay politics and public policies. |
Yesterday, William Lindsey disclosed that he has received hundreds of thousands of dollars consulting for several states. Rekers' resumes (links below) also show extensive consulting for the federal government.
And according to Rekers' theology resume, (which is separate from his academic curriculum vitae) -- Rekers played a pivotal strategic role in the development of the Religious Right, when he led the formation of James Dobson's Washington political lobby -- the Family Research Council.
Founding CEO (1982-1984), Chairman of the Board (1982-1986)
FAMILY RESEARCH COUNCIL OF AMERICA -- Washington, DC
Co-founded the organization to uphold Judeo-Christian values in family policy.
Key Accomplishments:
* Together with James Dobson, PhD., led in developing the vision, mission, strategic
planning, and fundraising for the organization.
* Led the founding board through incorporation, initial fundraising, and eventual
employment of the first paid staff members, and later recruited the second CEO.
- Executive management of the corporation in its initial years.
- Served as an expert witness to the U.S. Senate & House of Representatives.
This shows that Rekers, far from being an obscure figure, played an integral role in the development of the intellectual and political infrastructure of the Religious Right.
His current role as an officer of and scientific adviser to the antigay NARTH (National Association for Research and Therapy for Homosexuality) is indicative of his ongoing significance.
The Miami Herald reported:
Rekers, a founder of the conservative Family Research Council who believes homosexuality is a sin, is well-known for his antigay stance. In 1989, he and Jerry Regier -- later secretary of the Florida Department of Children & Families -- co-wrote an essay entitled The Christian World View of the Family, which railed against abortion and gay couples forming families, and emphasized that husbands have ``final say in any family dispute.''
The state of Florida recently paid him about $60,000 to be an expert witness against gay adoption in the case of Frank Gill, a gay foster parent seeking to adopt two young brothers. Florida is the only state that bans all gay people from adopting.
In November 2008, Miami-Dade Judge Cindy Lederman awarded custody of the two boys to Gill. In her final judgment, Lederman wrote:
``Dr. Rekers' testimony was far from a neutral and unbiased recitation of the relevant scientific evidence. Dr. Rekers' beliefs are motivated by his strong ideological and theological convictions that are not consistent with the science. Based on his testimony and demeanor at trial, the court can not consider his testimony to be credible nor worthy of forming the basis of public policy.''
As spectacular as the disclosures about Rekers have been, (and may continue to be) the ongoing scandal may not be nearly as significant as the windows that are likely to be thrown open on the Religious Right. |
|
print page
