PFOX Fighting for Our Children

The Washington Times

Letters to the editor
Published February 18, 2005

Schools and former homosexuals

We agree with Fairfax County School Board member Stephen M. Hunt that Fairfax County [Virginia] public schools should host ex-homosexual speakers ("Sex-ed battles raging in region," Page 1, Feb. 10). Our experience as ex-homosexual representatives shows that the schools have a history of discriminating against the ex-homosexual community.

Three years ago, then-Superintendent Daniel Domenech met with two homosexual groups to implement homosexual-themed presentations and materials throughout the schools. However, he refused to meet with ex-homosexual representatives. As a result, Fairfax County public schools have promoted homosexual issues while censoring former homosexuals.

For example, James Madison High School invited a homosexual to address students on homosexuals and adoption rights. The speaker was formerly married with children but now lives with a man. Because he and his male companion cannot have children together, he spoke about why he thinks they and other same-sex couples should be allowed to adopt children. Yet when we asked the principal to grant equal access to an ex-homosexual speaker, the principal refused.

In addition, history students had the opportunity to gain extra credit if they attended discussions held by a homosexual group, but our former-homosexual group was excluded. The principal did not give any parental notification of these speakers, so parents were unaware of what their children were being taught. Nor was this topic reviewed by the Family Life Education Curriculum Advisory Council.

The ex-homosexual community deserves tolerance and equal treatment. Fairfax County schools should not promote some sexual groups (homosexuals, bisexuals and the transgendered) while discriminating against others (ex-homosexuals). We urge the School Board to allow ex-homosexual speakers and presentations immediately.

REGINA GRIGGS
Executive director
Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays