Christians say school clubs are promoting gay lifestyle
Religion Today, April 5, 2000
“Gay-straight clubs” are introducing high school children to the gay lifestyle, Christian groups charge. The Gay, Lesbian, Student Education Network supports more than 700 of the clubs, called Gay-Straight Alliance clubs, across the country, according to The Associated Press said. Members say they talk about homosexuality in an effort to educate students, promote tolerance, and end bias, AP said.
“There is a broader agenda out there,” to influence high schoolers to be sympathetic to the gay lifestyle, said Ed Vitagliano, director of research for the American Family association. Peter Labarbera of the Family Research Council said some groups bring in transsexuals to talk about their lifestyles and that “the reality is there is much more going on than meets the eye.”
Some school boards resist gay clubs in their schools. Controversy has swirled for months around an Orange County, Calif., school board’s attempts to keep a gay-straight alliance club out of El Modena High School. The debate has divided the community, resulting in threats, a court battle, and tense school board meetings. Boards in Utah, Louisiana, Indiana, and Florida are undergoing similar fights.