Just when we think society couldn’t get any crazier … Have you heard the latest buzz about the gay community? If the trials of living the homosexual lifestyle are too distressing, a few prayers to God and some brain-washing from “faith-based” therapists will zap the gay desires right out of them.

Believe it or not, this is a widespread belief unleashed by supporters of Christianity and anti-gay activists. New therapy groups such as Homosexuals Anonymous and Exodus International are boasting that, aided by the power of Christianity and special therapy, homosexuals can change their fate and convert to heterosexuality. The organizations offer clinics and ministries “for men and women who have chosen to help each other live free from homosexuality.”

What? I thought the public was plowing through this idealistic moral barrier and softening its grip on gay liberation and rights.

Since studies in the 1970s suggested that homosexuality is genetic, most doctors and therapists have been conditioning gays to meet their sexuality with open arms.

It seemed as though gays’ and lesbians’ behaviors were no longer socially inappropriate in our culture — that they were finally free to accept their sexual identities rather than assuming their lifestyles were sinful or wrong.

Yet, this latest chapter in the heterosexual/homosexual debate is a serious backtracking from the accomplishments of the gay community.

Along with overdosing on the Bible, faith-based therapy gives way to preachings that condemn homosexuality, including the ridiculous contention that AIDS is God’s punishment for gays.

I thought we were past blaming AIDS on homosexuals and the proclamation that it’s a “gay disease.” What this assertion is really doing is spreading further confusion about gays, as well as harboring ignorance about AIDS. Prepare for the resurrection of another AIDS myth we thought died with the ’80s.

The clincher is that an overwhelming proportion of gays are eating it up. The number of faith-based therapies is multiplying, and thousands of homosexuals are buying into it. Because of the social stigma attached to being gay, this form of therapy appears to be an easy way out.

Thus, they implement Christianity and “reparative therapy” to change their sexuality.

Seems like the anti-gay monsters are feeding upon gays in denial. But what the gay community certainly does not need is more hateful mind games.

How can people who claim to believe in Christianity, which inspires love and peace, promote such a hate-filled concept? How can they use Christianity to threaten homosexuals into following their lead?

These faith-based therapies will merely bolster anti-gay activists and confuse/torture both private and openly gay persons. They will give morally and sexually confused individuals false hope that their homosexuality is a curable disease.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, no evidence exists to support the contention that “reparative therapy” successfully treats homosexuals.

It’s bogus; just another attempt to curb free sexuality. Except this time, anti-gay activists are doing it by playing nurturing friend and mentor.

Being gay doesn’t classify one as sick or twisted.

It’s unnecessary and irresponsible to further bewilder homosexuals and challenge their identities, a subject some struggle with on a daily basis.

No proportion of prayer can change a person, and it shouldn’t be abused as a mind poison.

Faith-based therapy is not the key to liberation; self-acceptance is a start.

---

Staci Hupp is a junior in journalism and mass communication from Grimes. She is the editor in chief of the Daily.