Be tolerant of all people

I'm writing in response to the article "Same-sex 'cures' are linked to faith," by Amy Joi Bryson, in which she gave a report of the Evergreen Conference. In discussing what is often such a polarized issue, I was pleased to see a fair discussion of a group affected by homosexuality that often gets neglected or misrepresented. So often those that have chosen to change their sexual orientation from homosexual to heterosexual are treated as liars or as being in denial.

While I believe that those who identify themselves as gay have a right to do so, I believe that those experiencing same-sex attraction and who choose not to identify themselves as gay also have a right to do so. Their beliefs deserve to be respected, and they deserve to live their lives as they best see fit. The people in attendance at the conference only wish to receive the same tolerance that every human being desires. Tolerance loses its meaning if it is not extended to all.

Mitch Freeman

Salt Lake City