Tolerance is a one way street

Randy Thomas from Exodus International stopped by The Pat Campbell Show this morning to talk about this story.


Orlando Billboard Ads Feature Former Homosexuals
Global Ex-Gay Ministry Asks the Public to Question Media Messages About Homosexuality


Orlando, FL - April 12, 2005 Orlando residents will see two new billboard signs today that feature pictures of former homosexuals who challenge the permanence of homosexuality and offer a message of hope and change. Exodus International, the largest network of former homosexuals in the world, sponsored the billboard ads hoping to counter mainstream media messages and offer the public a considerate, alternative message about homosexuality.

The ads question the immutability of homosexuality and feature seven former homosexuals with the words, "We questioned homosexuality. Truth brought freedom," and "Rethink homosexuality."

The billboards have already generated local controversy. Originally slated to appear above a local gay resort, the ads were in the process of being put up when the owner, protested the content and threatened bodily harm to the crew contracted to post the signs. The ads have since been moved to an alternate site.

Alan Chambers, a former homosexual featured on the billboard and President of Exodus International, responded, "While it is disturbing to see the inconsistency in the gay community's call for tolerance and diversity, our message does not change. Our existence offers hope to others who feel trapped by homosexuality and gives the public a reason to question what they see and hear about this issue every day in the media.

"There are hundreds of thousands of individuals, like myself, who experienced emptiness and isolation in homosexuality and through Jesus Christ, we found the strength to leave it," said Chambers. "Popular culture says we don't exist, but we do and we want others to hear our stories and consider a side to this issue they may have never heard before."

Exodus International is a resource and referral organization with over 125 member chapters across North America that offer help to the over 400,000 people who contact the ministry each year.

The front and back billboards will be up for a year and are located on the east side of US-441, just north of SR-408.

Randy also commented on this event...

Students Across the Nation to Observe ‘Day of Truth’ Today

Christian students in more than 300 high schools across the nation will participate today in the “Day of Truth” – a Christian counterpart to the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network’s “Day of Silence.”