Homosexual Myth of Immutability
Dr. Bill Maier, vice president and psychologist in residence at Colorado-based Focus on the Family, reported that new research by Dr. Robert Spitzer at Columbia University shows conclusively that a significant number of homosexuals are able to change their orientation to heterosexual. Maier said claims by homosexual activist organizations that change is impossible are "politically motivated," and that homosexuals who are unhappy with their sexual orientation are being "deceived by their own leaders."
Spitzer, a psychiatrist and active supporter of "gay" rights, led the 1973 effort to have the American Psychiatric Association remove homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. In research published in the October issue of the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior, he reported on the results of his study of 200 homosexuals who participated in reparative therapy to change their sexual orientation. Spitzer found that 66 percent of the men and 44 percent of the women had achieved what he termed "good heterosexual functioning" lasting for a period of at least five years. In addition, 89 percent of the men and 95 percent of the women said they were bothered "slightly," or "not at all," by unwanted homosexual feelings.
Maier said Spitzer's research flies in the face of activists' claims that homosexuality is inborn and immutable.
"Dr. Spitzer's study clearly shows that homosexuality is not a permanent, unchangeable condition. Gay men and lesbian women who are dissatisfied with their sexual orientation should have the right to seek reparative therapy, even though gay activist organizations want to deny them that right."
While homosexual groups claim that reparative therapy is harmful and can lead to depression and suicide, Spitzer's study showed just the opposite. Those who had undergone therapy experienced much less depression. Forty-three percent of the men and 47 percent of the women reported being "markedly" or "extremely" depressed before therapy. After therapy, only 1 percent of the men and 4 percent of the women reported having been depressed at any time during the year prior to the study.
"Millions of gays and lesbians are being told by the mainstream media and the leaders of their own community that change is impossible, and that therapy will only lead to hopelessness and depression, which is simply false," Maier said. "In light of this research and the potentially life-threatening medical consequences of homosexual behavior, such duplicity is callous and irresponsible."
Focus on the Family News Release, November 6, 2003
A&F Reversal!
On December 10 Abercrombie & Fitch reversed its policy on publishing pornographic and offensive quarterly catalogues, announcing "The company believes it is time for new thinking and looks forward to unveiling an innovative and exciting campaign in the spring."
A company spokesman would not comment on the reasons for the decision or new marketing plans. However, Abercrombie & Fitch's bottom line was hit hard in early Christmas shopping by the nationwide boycott and bad press generated by the company's latest pornographic catalog. According to a Wall Street Journal article, A&F's in-store sales had dropped 13 percent in November — and its stock lost over 16 percent of its value in the same time period since Focus on the Family and other pro-family groups urged Americans not to buy the retailer's clothes. Trading volume in that period was more than twice normal.
