Focus on the Family 'anti-gay' ad rejected

Focus on the Family 'anti-gay' ad rejected
Group holding conference on homosexuality amid opposition

Clear Channel refused to advertise it, and pro-homosexual groups are planning to protest, but Focus on the Family says that's just about standard for cities where they hold their "Love Won Out" conferences.

They are held about four times a year, and this weekend it's going on in Phoenix.

"We will be presenting the truth about homosexuality," said Melissa Fryrear, who directs the Focus on the Family gender issues department and is a speaker at the conference.

"There are people who are unsatisfied living as a gay or lesbian, and 'Love Won Out' will show them it is possible to walk away from homosexuality," she said.

The conference is today from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bethany Bible Church, officials said.

Members of the Phoenix homosexual-advocacy group Arizona Human Rights Fund already have appeared on local television to disparage the conference and say they are planning to protest the all-day event.

"This is about helping people who truly want help," Fryrear said. "We wish the groups planning to protest us would come in and listen to our message. They would see how we teach people to be loving and compassionate toward the homosexual community."

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

"While we certainly understand that many are not tolerant of our message of hope, we are shocked that Clear Channel would refuse our billboards. This is not the first time this company has decided to censor 'Love Won Out' – and we are determined that our message will not be stifled," Fryrear said.

The event is the 42nd time Focus has presented its perspective on the homosexual agenda.

"We want to show that it is possible to love a gay family member or friend without compromising your Christian faith," Fryrear said.

The one-day event is for those involved in the lifestyle or those who have friends or relatives involved.

"Whether you have a gay friend or family member, are an educator, pastor or concerned citizen – or even self-identify as gay – 'Love Won Out' will inform, inspire and offer you hope," the conference promotion said.

Questions that will be answered include:

* 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?

Fryrear, a conference speaker, is involved in public speaking, writing and educating Focus constituents on a range of subjects related to homosexuality. She previously served as executive director of an Exodus-International Member Ministry in Kentucky.

Another speaker who participates in "Love Won Out" conferences is Nancy Heche, a single parent who expererienced the international media rush during her daughter Anne Heche's highly publicized relationship with Ellen DeGeneres. Nancy Heche also is a widow who endured her husband's diagnoses and subsequent death from AIDS.

Other regular conference speakers including Dick Carpenter II, who addresses legislative and culture issues; Joe Dallas, the program director for Genesis Counseling in Tustin, Calif., and director of monthly five-day retreats for men on sexual purity; and Mike Haley, who is manager of community education for Focus' Community Impact Outreach division after having left behind his involvement as a teen and young adult in the 'gay' community.

Also, Joseph Nicolosi, the president and principal research investigator for the National Association of Research and Therapy of Homosexuality; Alan Chambers, the president of Exodus International; and Bill Maier, the Focus psychologist in resident.