Keep those doors propped open
By beekay (Brandon Haught)
Some conservative organizations don't like this thing called nondiscrimination. Focus on the Family, a Colorado-based religious group, seems to be deeply offended by the nonprofit group Big Brothers Big Sisters of America's recent reaffirmation that all of its chapters maintain an open-door policy for anyone who wants to volunteer as mentors for young people. And that "anyone" applies to gays and lesbians.
For 25 years the BBBSA's policy against discrimination covered sexual orientation, race, religion and ethnicity, but individual chapters across the nation were allowed to set their own policies while using the national policy as just a model. Now, however, all chapters must abide by the reaffirmed policy. The resolution leading up to this reaffirmation was initiated over a year ago by the BBBSA's affiliates in a democratic fashion. It was one of the organization's members' biggest concerns, and in the true American way, their voices were heard and acted on.
According to BBBSA's website, The Big Brother Big Sister Mentoring Programs serve at-risk youth by providing mentors for young people. The goals of these programs include preventing drug and alcohol abuse, and other types of juvenile crime; increasing school attendance; and developing strong self-esteem. All people who volunteer to be mentors must undergo a rigorous screening process; the children's safety and well-being is a top priority for the organization.
Focus on the Family and the Tupelo, Miss.-based American Family Association don't seem to care. They are hopelessly stuck in the Dark Ages as they took this opportunity to expound on the evils of homosexuality. They are convinced that children will now be at grave risk from the immoral gays and lesbians. Donald Wildmon, chairman of American Family Association, claims that Big Brothers Big Sisters "will become a magnet for homosexuals who exploit opportunities to engage young, impressionable children with their unhealthy lifestyle." This coming from Wildmon is no surprise, though. He is famous for his boycotts and attempts at censorship. He waves the Bible as his guiding light in these matters. Never mind that the Bible has also been used to justify slavery and witch hunts; the Good Book says gays are evil and that is that.
I've known a number of gay folks in my life. I have yet to meet one I would consider evil or sick or twisted. The first guy I met who openly admitted to being gay was an actor I worked with during a summer community theater production. I was about 13 at the time and I am happy to report that the man wasn't salivating over me or trying to do anything evil. He was an integral member of our group and we all had one heck of a good time.
Focus on the Family used to support BBBSA -- I guess they previously overlooked the nondiscrimination policy that had been in effect for most of the chapters during the past quarter century -- but have now pulled their endorsement and launched an e-mail campaign to get folks to express their outrage to BBBSA's corporate sponsors. The American Family Association offered a form letter on its website to be sent to corporate sponsors as well. However, the campaign hasn't made a noticeable impact yet. No corporate funds have been withdrawn. That leads me to believe these "family values" organizations are the only ones living under rocks these days.
Not to be daunted, though, a "pro-family" group wants to ask Congress to consider a bill requiring that parents be notified if their child is placed with a gay mentor in public school-based programs. Eugene Delgaudio, with the conservative non-profit organization Public Advocate, is seeking the legislation. He claims children are at an increased risk of abuse with homosexual mentors. He says that statistics show adult homosexuals have "a propensity for a higher level of abuse." Delgaudio didn't bother to cite what report he got his statistics from, but he apparently adheres to the idea that if you just say enough scary things, folks might actually start shaking in their boots. However, he is still looking for lawmakers to sponsor his proposal.
This bill would not affect the BBBSA, though. Their policy is to honor the preferences of the parents or guardian as to the Big Brother or Big Sister assigned. They have a choice and the power of the final consent. It looks to me like Delgaudio is wasting his time.
I applaud BBBSA for reaffirming their policy. They are not actively recruiting gays and lesbians in order to make themselves look good; they are simply keeping the doors open for anyone who wants to make a difference.
By beekay (Brandon Haught)
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For 25 years the BBBSA's policy against discrimination covered sexual orientation, race, religion and ethnicity, but individual chapters across the nation were allowed to set their own policies while using the national policy as just a model. Now, however, all chapters must abide by the reaffirmed policy. The resolution leading up to this reaffirmation was initiated over a year ago by the BBBSA's affiliates in a democratic fashion. It was one of the organization's members' biggest concerns, and in the true American way, their voices were heard and acted on.
According to BBBSA's website, The Big Brother Big Sister Mentoring Programs serve at-risk youth by providing mentors for young people. The goals of these programs include preventing drug and alcohol abuse, and other types of juvenile crime; increasing school attendance; and developing strong self-esteem. All people who volunteer to be mentors must undergo a rigorous screening process; the children's safety and well-being is a top priority for the organization.
Focus on the Family and the Tupelo, Miss.-based American Family Association don't seem to care. They are hopelessly stuck in the Dark Ages as they took this opportunity to expound on the evils of homosexuality. They are convinced that children will now be at grave risk from the immoral gays and lesbians. Donald Wildmon, chairman of American Family Association, claims that Big Brothers Big Sisters "will become a magnet for homosexuals who exploit opportunities to engage young, impressionable children with their unhealthy lifestyle." This coming from Wildmon is no surprise, though. He is famous for his boycotts and attempts at censorship. He waves the Bible as his guiding light in these matters. Never mind that the Bible has also been used to justify slavery and witch hunts; the Good Book says gays are evil and that is that.
I've known a number of gay folks in my life. I have yet to meet one I would consider evil or sick or twisted. The first guy I met who openly admitted to being gay was an actor I worked with during a summer community theater production. I was about 13 at the time and I am happy to report that the man wasn't salivating over me or trying to do anything evil. He was an integral member of our group and we all had one heck of a good time.
Focus on the Family used to support BBBSA -- I guess they previously overlooked the nondiscrimination policy that had been in effect for most of the chapters during the past quarter century -- but have now pulled their endorsement and launched an e-mail campaign to get folks to express their outrage to BBBSA's corporate sponsors. The American Family Association offered a form letter on its website to be sent to corporate sponsors as well. However, the campaign hasn't made a noticeable impact yet. No corporate funds have been withdrawn. That leads me to believe these "family values" organizations are the only ones living under rocks these days.
Not to be daunted, though, a "pro-family" group wants to ask Congress to consider a bill requiring that parents be notified if their child is placed with a gay mentor in public school-based programs. Eugene Delgaudio, with the conservative non-profit organization Public Advocate, is seeking the legislation. He claims children are at an increased risk of abuse with homosexual mentors. He says that statistics show adult homosexuals have "a propensity for a higher level of abuse." Delgaudio didn't bother to cite what report he got his statistics from, but he apparently adheres to the idea that if you just say enough scary things, folks might actually start shaking in their boots. However, he is still looking for lawmakers to sponsor his proposal.
This bill would not affect the BBBSA, though. Their policy is to honor the preferences of the parents or guardian as to the Big Brother or Big Sister assigned. They have a choice and the power of the final consent. It looks to me like Delgaudio is wasting his time.
I applaud BBBSA for reaffirming their policy. They are not actively recruiting gays and lesbians in order to make themselves look good; they are simply keeping the doors open for anyone who wants to make a difference.
August 24, 2002