Austin-American Statesman Ad Proclaims: "Homosexuals Can Change"

Focus on the Family
Friday, 14 February 2003

Focus on the Family Hosts 20th Love Won Out Conference Amid Local Controversy

This Sunday's edition of the Austin-American Statesman will feature a full-page ad for Focus on the Family's Love Won Out conference, which asserts the truth that changing homosexuality is possible. The pro-family organization is coming to Austin to host a one-day seminar designed to help concerned citizens understand the causes and prevention of homosexuality. Hundreds plan to attend the Saturday event, which will be held at Promiseland Church in Austin on Feb. 22.

Gay activists in the Austin area plan to counter Focus on the Family's conference with one of their own. In addition, Fred Phelps and followers of his Topeka, Kan.-based Westboro Baptist Church will picket the Love Won Out conference because they do not believe that God loves and redeems homosexuals. Mr. Phelps has picketed Focus on the Family's conferences twice, as well as the organization's Colorado Springs headquarters on two other occasions.

"This is another example of intolerance displayed by those who want to intimidate and silence us just because we provide another voice in the discussion of homosexuality," said Mike Haley, a Love Won Out conference speaker. "Ultimately, those who refuse to acknowledge that homosexually attracted men and women can change, display not only a cruel disregard for those who do not want to be homosexual, but also a denial of the true power of Christ."

Haley, whose story as a former homosexual is featured in the Austin-American Statesman ad on Sunday, said, "I and thousands of others know firsthand that true change is possible, and we will continue to share our message of hope with those who want it. Despite attempts to discredit our message, people continue to hunger for the truth, and tomorrow will be a day of hope and healing for them."

More than 15,000 men and women have attended Focus on the Family's 19 national Love Won Out conferences since the event's inception in 1998, and future conferences are scheduled through 2003. A copy of Focus on the Family's ad in the Austin-American Statesman can be viewed at www.lovewonout.com.

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