Hong Kong Fights "Ex-Gay" Movement

Dan Choi writes on Change.org:

I write with great concern because Hong Kong's Social Welfare Department recently held a workshop for its staff led by a psychiatrist who claims he can "cure" LGBT people by having them take cold showers. The quack doctor, Hong Kwai-wah, is affiliated with Exodus Global Alliance, a discredited group whose work is rejected by every major medical and mental health organization. As the "ex-gay" message fails in America, Exodus is looking to exploit new markets and export hate overseas. Exodus' last global "outreach" was in Uganda, leading to the notorious and deadly Anti-Homosexuality Bill. This is why it is crucial that we stand up today against Exodus' opportunistic spread of homophobic lies in Asia. By signing our petition, you will tell the Social Welfare Department that its endorsement of "ex-gay therapy" is bringing great shame to Hong Kong and making a mockery of the department's mission to empower communities with dignity, harmony, and happiness.

Hit the above link to sign the petition.

ILLINOIS: Mega-Church Dumps "Ex-Gays" At Exodus International

The Illinois-based mega-church Willow Creek says it is cutting its ties with Exodus International, the infamous group of "ex-gay" liars who promote reparative therapy.

Susan DeLay, director of media relations at the mega-church, says Willow Creek ending its relationship with Exodus does not mean it is any less welcoming to people with same-sex attraction, as "Willow Creek has a whole host of ministries for people dealing with these issues. All we've changed," she continues, "is how we've gone about inviting them into the church, which is the primary issue here." Jeff Buchanan, executive vice president of Exodus International, says his group is disappointed with Willow Creek's decision. "To date, we're still not very clear on the reason why. Our church association is meant to be a referral network of churches that are willing to receive those who are dealing with unwanted same-sex attractions and they're looking for ministry and for help, and that's the sole purpose of their association with us," Buchanan explains. "So, we are still left with questions and a little bit perplexed as to why they have chosen to pull out."

"Ex-Gay" Convention Set For Minnesota

Exodus International will hold its 2012 annual "ex-gay" convention in St. Paul, Minnesota. Did the Bachmanns have something to do with that?

Amid news that Rep. Michele Bachmann’s Christian counseling clinic performs therapy aimed at “curing” gays and lesbians of homosexuality, the nation’s largest “ex-gay” organization, Exodus International, announced it will hold its annual conference, “Exodus Freedom,” in St. Paul next year. The last time an Exodus conference came to Minnesota, Bachmann gave it a glowing endorsement. According to Exodus International, the conference will be held the last weekend of July 2012 at Northwestern College. Northwestern is a private Christian college with deep connections to Minnesota’s most conservative Christians. Minnesota Family Council CEO John Helmberger was a member of the college’s board of trustees until 2008, and current MFC associate Megan Doyle sits on the board. Bachmann’s been a speaker at the college, and the school has placed interns with her office.

When Exodus last held its convention in Minnesota, Crazy Eyes welcomed them: "I know that Love Won Out will present the truth about homosexuality and present it in a compassionate and loving manner. Those of us working to safeguard marriage from redefinition by radical judges must inform our efforts with an understanding of the deep emotional wounds that many in the homosexual community carry. I look forward to welcoming Minnesotans and residents of surrounding states to hear the message of healing that is possible."