WASHINGTON-- A full-page newspaper advertisement by conservative Christian groups that said homosexuals could "overcome" their sexual identity by accepting God sparked outrage among gay rights supporters on Monday.
The Christian Coalition and other conservative groups took out the advertisement in the New York Times. It is to be followed by similar displays in the Washington Post and USA Today later this week.
The advertisement features the testimony of Anne Paulk, a self-described "wife, mother and former lesbian," who says she was able to change her identity through a commitment to religion.
"Leaving homosexuality was the hardest thing I've ever had to do," Paulk says in the advertisement.
"As I grew in my relationship with God, I knew He had changed me forever. Gone was the hardness. Gone was the hurt. And gone was the shrill cry inside, replaced by God's still, small voice," the advertisement quotes her as saying.
'Bigotry, hatred and intolerance'
Tracey Canaty of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force said her organization viewed the advertising campaign as a new attack on homosexuality.
"The bigotry, hatred and intolerance that this ad represents is the real perversion," she said.
Homosexuality has recently become a hot political issue after Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Mississippi, compared it to alcoholism, sex addiction and kleptomania.
Asked in a television interview if he believed homosexuality was a sin, Lott replied, "It is."
"In America right now there's an element that wants to make that alternative lifestyle acceptable and normal," said Lott.
"You should still love that person.... You should show them a way to deal with that problem," he said, adding, "Just like my father having a problem with alcohol.... Other people have sex addiction. Other people are kleptomaniacs."
Gay Clinton nominee blocked
Republicans in Congress are blocking the confirmation of James Hormel, nominated by President Clinton to be U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg, because he is openly gay.
In the latest clash over gays, the White House said Friday it was appalled at possible plans by House Republicans to block an administrative order barring discrimination against homosexuals in federal jobs.
Conservative House Republicans, including House Majority Whip Tom DeLay of Texas, may offer an amendment to a fiscal 1999 spending bill that would prohibit the government from spending money to carry out Clinton's order.
Message of hope
The Christian Coalition, a powerful bloc within the Republican Party and the best known of 15 organizations sponsoring the advertising campaign, said it was intended as a message of hope for homosexuals.
"Christian Coalition has energized people of faith to become involved in the political process and have an effect on public policy, but has also long maintained that America's most serious problems ultimately require changes in the heart of individuals. Religious faith plays a central role in that change," the organization said in a statement.
Other groups sponsoring the campaign include Concerned Women for America and the Family Research Council, headed by conservative activist Gary Bauer.
'The real road to healing'
Describing her path from homosexuality, Paulk says in the ad: "I met a Christian woman, a former lesbian, who listened patiently to my story and led me to a ministry helping people overcome homosexuality. Because they loved me without judgment, I was able finally to give all my relationships with God and begin the real road to healing."
http://www.cnn.com/US/9807/13/politics.gays/