Press statement from Omaha gay organizations about Gaylibrary.com

Statement by the boards of Citizens For Equal Protection of Nebraska (CFEP); Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Omaha Chapter and Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) Omaha Chapter:

Contacts: Bob Dorr, PFLAG, 402-333-7064; Michael Gordon, CFEP, 402-714-3810

“While CFEP and the PFLAG Omaha and GLSEN Omaha Chapters respect the spirit of freedom of speech, we do not condone violence in any way, shape or form. Any web site statements that suggest violence as an option in responding to injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are absolutely inappropriate, unconscionable and beyond the pale.

“We have met with the developer-owner of GayLibrary.com and of several related web sites and expressed our concerns about some material on those sites. The developer-owner has cleansed the sites of language that, we believe, could encourage violence. We will help the developer-owner stay vigilant to make certain that no such language reappears. We are discussing what further action we might take such as contacting other groups to relay our concerns.

“The GLSEN Omaha and PFLAG Omaha Chapters and CFEP have worked hard for many years to end bullying in our K-12 schools, and particularly to end bullying and harassment based on real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. We believe in safe schools for ALL students, faculty, staff and patrons. Members of PFLAG Omaha, GLSEN Omaha and CFEP serve as presenters and panelists in an Omaha-area program that promotes safe school environments for all youths. Our Safe Schools program reaches 50 or more audiences each year, including many college classes of future teachers. Our groups always have advocated staying within the rule of law and wouldn’t dream of deviating from that principle.”

These gay organizations clearly take this issue seriously and have responded with an appropriate statement. I hope one of the other groups contacted will be the Rainbow Outreach where Brian Wyant remains coordinator. I also would like to see Mr. Wyant issue a statement as well.

UPDATE: 8/19/07 – Brian Wyant is no longer listed as a board member/coordinator on the Rainbow Outreach website.

6 thoughts on “Press statement from Omaha gay organizations about Gaylibrary.com”

  1. Interesting info…

    “On June 27, 2007, bXg and Soulforce brought together former Exodus leaders from the US and UK ito issue a public apology for their prior involvement in providing and promoting ex-gay conversion therapy. As part of their apology, Darlene Bogle, Michael Bussee, and Jeremy Marks appealed to other former ex-gay leaders to join the healing and reconciliation process by adding their names to the apology.

    Inspired by this historic statement, former ex-gay leaders in Australia have come forward to add their voices to this public apology. They confirm with their American and British counterparts that ex-gay ministries have caused more harm than good. Vonnie Pitts (Veronica Canning), Wendy Lawson, and Kim Brett were once leaders of the ex-gay movement in Australia. Today they say that attempts to change and suppress sexual orientation are unhealthy and unnecessary. They affirm it is possible to be gay and Christian, and they stand up as a witness and warning about the harm that can come from pursuing ex-gay conversion therapy in its various forms.”

  2. Warren,

    I know you’ve taken a bit of heat for exposing Wyant’s site to the larger public eye but, if the statement issued jointly by CFEP, PFLAG and GLSEN is any indication, you’ve provided an important and timely service to all of us.

    I am glad to read their clear statement and to learn that they will continue to monitor Wyant’s site. I had no doubt that they would but it’s good to see it and to hear it in their words. Thanks, Warren, for ‘stepping up to the plate.’

  3. I think it’s commendable that such a statement was issued. They were doing the right thing.

  4. It is too bad that Wyant had to act in the way he did and that his actions are effecting so many other reputable organizations along the way. I’m glad for this statment so that radicals can’t peg one guy as the speaker for all.

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