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Message of hope for 'gays' censored 
Billboard company rejects 'Love Won Out' promotion

A billboard company in Omaha, Neb., has refused to sell space for an advertisement that was to promote this weekend's "Love Won Out" conference on the issues surrounding homosexuality, scheduled by Focus on the Family, officials said.

Only a few weeks ago, Clear Channel refused to accept an advertisement for the same conference when it was held in Phoenix, "Love Won Out" conference officials confirmed, so they weren't exactly surprised.

"Apparently the idea of embracing a diversity of opinion is not extended to groups like ours, which offer the message that same-sex attractions can be overcome by those who are dissatisfied living homosexually," said Melissa Fryrear, a speaker for the conference and director of gender issues at Focus on the Family.

The billboard was to have featured an image of a smiling man and the words: "I Questioned Homosexuality. Change is Possible. Discover How." Officials at Focus said the company, Waitt Outdoor, rejected the ad via e-mail without explanation.

She said it was interesting that Waitt's website announced: "Billboards are a reflection of American pop culture. Whatever is capturing American interests can be found on billboards."

"There's no disputing that the subject of our conference has captured the American interest," she said. "Omaha is the 43rd city we've visited; tens of thousands of people have come to hear what we have to say on this subject. CNN even devoted a major special last week to Love Won Out. If the teaching and personal stories we offer at our event aren't in the public interest, what is?"

Another Nebraska company, Lamar, did agree to post the signs on major metro roadways in Omaha and Lincoln. Fryrear said people who attend will hear a hopeful message.

"We'll be offering practical ways people of faith can love homosexuals they know without compromising their beliefs," she said. "We'll cover the many and varied causes that lead someone to self-identify as homosexual – and we'll offer those motivated to change their homosexuality the information and support they need to successfully travel that difficult road."

The event will be held at Trinity Church, 15555 W. Dodge Road in Omaha.

In Phoenix during February, Clear Channel Outdoor also refused – without giving a reason – to sell space on its billboards. Officials said lawyers for the Colorado Springs-based family advocacy group now are requesting an explanation from Clear Channel CEO Mark May.

Questions addressed at the conferences are:

    * Are people "born gay?"

    * Is change possible?

    * How do I help my loved one who's 'gay'?

    * I don't think it's right, so what do I do?

    * How should the church respond?

    * What's being taught in the schools?

    * What should I say to my children about it?

    * What about the 'gay' agenda?

    * How will 'gay' marriage affect society?