Anti Bullying Statement

A few years back my friend Mike Bussee and a friend of his were attacked in Los Angeles.  They were victims of a senseless act of violence simply because they were gay.  Mike's friend died as a result of that attack.  I know he grieves the loss of his friend every day and has many times encouraged me to speak out against such violence as well as milder forms of violence that we call bullying.

I was a victim of bullying in middle school.  Sixth grade for me was so horrific that I once told my wife that I wouldn't go back to that year for millions of dollars.  Tragically, kids who are "different" are targeted every day by bullies from the playground to the locker room and I want to be someone that helps to end that form of abuse.

At Exodus we do seek to educate those who are ignorant about homosexuality.  That education isn't short on biblical truth about the issue, but neither is it short on the biblical truth surrounding treating your neighbor as you'd like to be treated.   Exodus Youth is taking these truths to the schools and churches and to anyone willing to listen.

It is because of our extreme opposition to bullying and violence and our desire to see it stopped that we approved this statement today.  It will appear on the positions page of the Exodus website starting tomorrow.            

             Exodus Position Statement on Bullying

“Exodus International affirms that gay-identified individuals and those who struggle with same-sex attraction are persons for whom Jesus Christ died and loves equally. Therefore, we strongly oppose bullying, name calling and acts of aggression against any individual or group of individuals for any reason. These actions have no place in our society and we must, instead, affirm behavior that validates the personal worth and dignity God bestows upon every human being.

“In addition, every individual deserves equal protection and every offender should receive equal punishment. We call upon other organizations concerned with preserving the essential equality of all individuals to exhibit impartiality in their policies, rather than singling out some for special treatment.”

Mike, thanks for your patience and encouragement to get this done.  I am sorry for what you have been through, my friend.

Comments

[Warren Throckmorton]

Alan - I applaud you and Exodus for this statement.

[jayhuck]

Alan -

Recently you mentioned that hate crimes against gays and lesbians were on the decrease, which flies in the face of a report released two days ago that says violence against gay people are on the increase. I'm just curious about where you got your information!!!!

[jayhuck]

Alan,

I'm positive you probably aren't homophobic, although I wonder sometimes about internal homophobia.

The correct term for you would be heterosexist! I believe that is the term being used in academic circles now for people who aren't afraid of homosexuals but believe that should be treated as second-class citizens!