from Gay Activism in the Schools

The Washington Times reported on Nov. 10th that the board voted 6-0 in favor of the recommendations of the Citizens Advisory Committee on Family Life and Human Development, in spite of parental opposition.

The new curriculum will also introduce the concept of "gender identity" to students. It is defined as "a person's internal sense of knowing whether he or she is male or female."

Jackie Rice, a representative of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays (PFOX) was on the committee but her attempts to include the ex-gay viewpoint in the materials were rejected. According to Rice, "The committee approved a student video demonstrating condom use that encourages fruit flavored condoms for oral sex, even after being told to delete this phrase by the School Board. Yet the committee rejected any mention of ex-gays in the school curriculum and resources unless it was something negative about us. As an African-American and a representative of the ex-gay community, I resent the committee's refusal to recognize diversity or an individual's right to self-determination."

PFOX wrote a lengthy letter to Dr. Jerry Weast, the Montgomery County Superintendent of Schools on November 1st and outlined reasons why the county should not adopt a pro-gay curriculum.

In it, PFOX noted that the pro-gay viewpoint was the only position allowed in the materials. The curriculum used resources from gay groups such as Advocates for Youth; Family Pride Coalition, Triangle Foundation, PFLAG, and GLSEN.

PFOX observed: "The ex-gay community should not be excluded or discriminated against by anti-ex-gay materials in our schools. Contempt of those who have resolved unwanted same sex attractions perpetuates misunderstanding and harm. It also demonstrates a disregard for diversity and a refusal to respect a basic human right to dignity and self-determination."