My friend Matthew posted about it. I thought his post was wonderful! If you missed it check out his post here.

But I had to post on it after seeing Focus on the Family’s Candi Cushman, who is quoted in the Citizen Link article, on CNN’s AC360 last week discussing the issue. In her interview she referred to LGBTQ youth as a “political subgroup,” and I almost lost it.

DISCLAIMER: Before I go any further I have to say that, as I previously learned when I posted this and this, it can be very unpopular to disagree with Focus. Let me remind everyone (especially my friend Esther who works for Focus ;) that I am a conservative, evangelical Christian and that I believe that FoF does tons of great work, especially around mental health, marriage restoration, and orphan care. However, I disagree with many of their political approaches. A lot.

I have a few (hopefully brief) things to say about this entire debate:

First, I still find it  hard to believe that this is an issue. Before you can say anything about the proposed legislation, I think that you need to actually read it. You can find the bill HERE. If you haven’t read it, you should (it’s super short). The legislation is about bullying, which all parties agree is an issue. The bill would require that schools have three things: specific policies against bullying, programs that teach students about bullying (not specific to sexuality), and training programs that assist school staff with appropriately handling bullying. Schools would also have to report on bullying incidents within their districts for statistical purposes.

The only time sexuality is mentioned in the bill is when bullying and harassment are defined as something that:

adversely affects the ability of one or more students to participate in or benefit from the school’s educational programs or activities by placing the student (or students) in reasonable fear of physical harm; and includes conduct that is based on a student’s actual or perceived race; color; national origin; sex; disability; sexual orientation; gender identity; or religion.

That’s it. Nothing about teaching kindergartners about sex. Nothing that promotes a “gay agenda,” whatever that is. Nothing that should freak anyone out.

Despite what I would refer to as some pretty straightforward legislation requiring schools to have an anti-bullying action plan, Focus continues to make statements such as, “The passage of the bill would likely open the door to teaching about homosexuality as early as kindergarten. And it would lay the foundation for codifying sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes.”

And here is my chief complaint: every time I hear Focus discuss this issue they make accusations about those with differing opinions politicizing the school environment.

Really, Focus?

If anyone is politicizing the Safe Schools Improvement Act, it’s Focus on the Family. Not only by creating fear among their conservative constituency but also by referring to LGBTQ students as a “political subgroup.” I’ve yet to meet a gay person who has chosen to be gay for political reasons. Because you believe an individual’s sexual identity is sinful does not change the fact that it is his or her identity – not a political philosophy.

And here’s my final thought. Bullying is a very real issue. My son has been a victim of it. It’s awful. And as parents of an autistic child with unusual social issues, we have learned that bullying is very prevelant, it is much different than it was when we were kids, and it is very difficult for school administrators to manage.

The image above is a PostSecret confession that I think sums it up. Bullying LGBTQ students is bad. Telling students that they can’t call a peer a faggot is good.

What do you think of the Safe Schools Improvement Act and Focus on the Family’s stand? Have you read the bill? Is this biblical?

]]> http://www.nicolewick.com/2010/09/i-couldnt-resist/feed/ 39 http://www.nicolewick.com/2010/01/focus/ http://www.nicolewick.com/2010/01/focus/#comments Wed, 20 Jan 2010 05:30:11 +0000 Nicole http://www.nicolewick.com/?p=1694

I just saw this article on cnnmoney.com confirming that Focus on the Family purchased major advertising space during this year’s Super Bowl. While Focus will not confirm the cost of the ad spot, Super Bowl advertising budgets are legendary. The article notes that ads are typically $3 million. Focus does disclose that unnamed donors contributed the funding specifically for this purpose.

I will admit that I have a history of speaking out against Focus on the Family, specifically thier PAC (needless to say I am NOT a fan). That said, I can’t imagine that pro-Focus individuals (who I totally respect by the way) can think that this is the best use of ministry resources.

In a year when donor contributions are devastatingly low due to the economy and when social issues are in desperate need of funding, and when we are in the midst of the crisis in Haiti, is this the best use of ministry money? Or has Focus on the Family lost their focus?

Am I missing something? Let me know what you think…

P.S. Anne Jackson wrote a fantastic piece on her blog a few weeks ago titled “Breaking News: New Survey Says Christians Give Poor People the Shaft” about a Bliss Institute study on issues that progressives and Christians find important. Eye opening and, for me, infuriating. You should check it out.