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Under Religious Fanatics |
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Compiled by GayToday
Detroit, Michigan--Gary Glenn and his militant "Christian" organization,
the American Family Association, have swayed a local religious radical to
commandeer local teens at Jackson High to start an "opposition group" to
the schools' Gay/Straight Alliance, or GSA.
GSA's are groups that exist to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (GLBTQ) youth with issues that affect their lives. They are just like any other club for youth seeking support and information.
"AFA's own literature admits that gay youth are at risk for ridicule and harassment, yet the AFA is in direct opposition to a group that could stem the tide of youth suicide," said Heather MacAllister, Field Organizer for the Triangle Foundation. "Their position is hypocritical and dangerous. Gary Glenn and the AFA frequently recruit local anti-gay activists to promote AFA intolerance. It's another one of his attempts to meddle in a local situation where his brand of extremism is not wanted and does not belong.” Mike Neubecker, Michigan State Council Chair for Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is the proud parent of a gay son. He was disturbed to hear of the "opposition group" forming at Jackson High, saying, "GSA's exist to help make school a safer place to be, especially for GLBT kids. Starting a group in direct opposition to that will do quite the opposite", making schools even less safe for GLBT youth. "Gary Glenn is a predator on our youth," said Jeffrey Montgomery, Triangle Foundation's Executive Director. "The religious extremists like Glenn accuse gay adults of 'recruiting' youth-but the GSA at Jackson High was started by students, for students. “Glenn is a predator who is attempting to use students at Jackson High to advance the anti-family agenda of the speciously-named 'American Family Association'. An action like this will only alienate parents and children and contribute to a climate of fear and harassment for GLBT students and their allies." |
