Threats of Protest Do Not Deter Pasadena "Love Won Out" Conference

Focus on the Family
Friday, 30 August 2002

Focus on the Family Returns to California Roots to Confront Efforts to Silence Pro-Family Message

Homosexuality is a hot topic in California and in the nation these days, and Focus on the Family will separate fact from fiction during a unique one-day symposium on Saturday, Sept. 7 at Pasadena's First Church of the Nazarene—home church of Focus on the Family founder and president, Dr. James Dobson.

Focus' "Love Won Out" seminar arrives in California as Gov. Gray Davis considers a bill on his desk that would implement radical pro-gay policies in the state's foster-care system, and as cities across the country continue to grapple with revelations of homosexual abuse of children in the Catholic Church.

"From gay characters on television to pro-homosexual curriculum in the public schools, the issue of homosexuality is constantly in the media and touches almost every part of our daily lives," says John Paulk, creator of the "Love Won Out" conference and policy analyst at Focus on the Family. "Many Californians are troubled by the one-sided message they are hearing and have invited us to share another perspective."

Focus on the Family will reveal often-unknown efforts to force acceptance of homosexuality into every facet of American life. Among the perpetrators are the Los Angeles-based Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). GLAAD led the fight to terminate the television show of popular conservative radio talk show host Dr. Laura Schlessinger. The organization actively seeks to promote homosexual characters on television and film—many of which are aimed at children and adolescents.

Local pro-homosexual groups are expected to protest the "Love Won Out" event.

Paulk, himself a former homosexual, responds, "Focus on the Family believes in offering a choice to those who desire it. Unfortunately, many who have struggled out of homosexuality have been subjected to ridicule, vitriolic attacks and even death threats for sharing this option with others. We continue to offer hope to the families who have been devastated by homosexuality and to the individuals who feel trapped by it."

Dobson says knowing the truth is crucial for families. "Deception runs deep on the issue of homosexuality. That's why we're urging the public to come hear a side of the story that is often silenced or derided. Our children's well-being is at stake."

"Love Won Out" is primarily led by former homosexuals who are experts in the field of gender identity. They will also address topics such as the clinical development of homosexuality; the relationship between homosexuality and genetics; the pro-homosexual agenda in public schools; homosexual recovery; and the responsibility of Christians to offer an appropriate, compassionate response to their gay friends and relatives. Special sessions for teachers, pastors and parents are offered. Local ministries and organizations also will offer resources.

More than 13,000 people have attended Focus on the Family's 17 national "Love Won Out" conferences since the event's inception in 1998. More information can be found at: http://www.family.org/cforum/lwo/

For more information, or to contact Focus on the Family, see their website at: www.family.org