Deseret News | Gay 'agenda' targeted — Speakers in American Fork warn of dangers

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Gay 'agenda' targeted — Speakers in American Fork warn of dangers

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FYI | 1:03 p.m. April 1, 2008

Straight people like you have children like me....GAY! I like to think it's God's way of proving to you that you really don't have a clue how things work.

LONG LIVE THE GAY AGENDA!!

Bugged Eyed | 1:09 p.m. April 1, 2008

I read these comments and it truly sickens me. I for one choose not to judge and feel that will be God and God job alone. I do however find it humorous that all the Bible thumpers constantly bring up the fact that being Gay is a sin. They also form these groups with the soul purpose of going out and spreading their inaccurate opinions. But I also believe the Bible says that Gluttony is a sin.... And how many fatty's do you see in the Chapel each Sunday.. Judge not lest ye be judged yourself. I for one choose to love those around me. I will teach my children the same, and will save the judgments for God.

boiseguy | 1:17 p.m. April 1, 2008

who do homosexuals have to prove themselves to anyone.. why do they have to prove they were born that way.. how people wish to live their lives is their own business.. if you dont' like it start your own country that is not free.. and you can pick and choose who is accepted and who isn't.
ridiculous every one of you.. and what a waste of time to sit and get all worked up about what two adults are doing behind closed doors. You can't shelter your kids from the world their whole lives, and as far as I know gay's aren't out recruiting.
Educate yourselves, perhaps utah needs to spend more money in their schools seeing as how they're dead last in the nation, its any wonder why everyone calls you utards!

Comments continue below

RE:WILLARD | 1:20 p.m. April 1, 2008

Just so you know, when the AIDS epidemic first started, then President Regan ask for a study to see if it were possible to round up all the homosexuals and lock them away. Something along the same lines as the way Japanese citizens were treated. The problem was the cost and the way to actually make sure you had all the homosexuals rounded up. Is this what you had in mind??

sexual security | 1:14 p.m. April 1, 2008

As a straight male with a live-and-let-live life philosophy, although I am just as puzzled at a same-sex attraction as anyone else (not my choice) I really couldn't care less what other people choose to do with each other.

I was raised with the notion that those who are secure with their sexual preference also couldn't care less about others.

I have always thought it strange how some people freak out at homosexuals (or at least, pretend to) and start obsessing about the behavior.

Methinks thou protest too much. Why?

Living in Utah County | 1:22 p.m. April 1, 2008

I live in Utah County, in fact I went to American Fork High School. I do not hate gay people. I have gay friends. I do not agree with what gay people do, but I don't hate them. Please stop all the hating of people who are LDS in Utah County.

magnus | 1:33 p.m. April 1, 2008

RE:Screen Age,

Loved the comments, you're absolutely right about the methods of gay activists, but they are not unique in their methods or motives, the "Christian Right" is every bit the power monger that the Gay Lobby is.

RE:Personally,

Who ever said this was about the "Mormon Agenda"? The Mormon church was not mentioned in this article, nor was the meeting well attended. I can assure you that if this was part of a so called "Mormon Agenda", at a minnimum, the meeting would have been well attended and the refreshments would have been excellent.

I agree with many posters here that it seems to be a sad reality that dissagreeing with someones way of life is often equated to hatred. Unfortunately the way we dissagree often sounds hateful.

Having sexual relations with anyone but a consenting member of the opposite sex is wrong, it is wrong by nature, and for me it is wrong by belief. I'm a public advocate of this and I teach my it to my children, however, I also believe that every person on this earth is one of Gods children and they all should be treated with respect and dignity.

Thank Goodness | 1:28 p.m. April 1, 2008

I moved out of Utah County.

I respect everyone's right to have their own point of view on the matter.

However, I have to say that the venom, judgment, and hostility toward homosexuals on this message board is astounding. One can disagree amicably without resorting to attacks.

I would have expected better from such a supposedly religious part of the country. Frankly, it makes you Utahans look simple, ignorant, and intolerant. Again, this is not for simply disagreeing; rather, the way you disagree and extremely ignorant views that inform that disagreement.

But go ahead and pile on...

Gay Agenda Definition | 1:32 p.m. April 1, 2008

The way I understand it (as a straight person) is the "Gay Agenda" consists of wanting equal rights for gay people and to not be descriminated against. Equal rights and anti-bigotry is a pretty evil agenda. I can see why these people are warning parents against this agenda.

To claim the "Gay Agenda" is anything more than gay people wanting equal rights is just a lie. A lie to justify bigotry towards a group of people who are different than the majority. That is quite disgusting to decent people.

This group meeting with parents to warn them about gay people pushing for equal rights and to not be descriminated against sounds quite similar to KKK meetings discussing the same issues regarding blacks in the sixties. How is the first OK in Utah County, when the second would be evil to most decent people? Same issue, different group of people.

The homosexuals are winning | 1:43 p.m. April 1, 2008

If you believe that people are "gay" the homosexual activists have successfully indoctrinated you.

You Can't Fool Me | 1:39 p.m. April 1, 2008

Gays do recruit! As a high high school student many years ago I was very actively recruited by a group of gays in my school. It WAS there agenda to try to get as many involved as they could. The first time is the trick. If you can get a guy to participate once he loses all self-esteem and reduces himself to that level. When self-respect is gone it is easy to convince someone that they are different or "queer." The best explanation to save face because of a bad choice is to blame the problem on something that is uncontrollable saying that they were born that way and that is their lot in life. But, this group made no qualms about the fact that gay was their choice. They even questioned other gays when they made that claim. I have never known a gay man (I have known plenty) who had any significant level of self-confidence. And no, the lack of esteem was not the result of being gay, it was the cause. By the way: every single member of the group that tried to get me to conform to their lifestyle died of AIDS. All of them.

The world needs more love | 1:56 p.m. April 1, 2008

Well sadly people who think that a gay person chooses to be gay is obsured. Do strait people choose to be strait...??? I have found that there is no such thing as choosing one way or the other.

When my family rejucted me as there child and started hating me i tried to kill myself because i lost those who i was brought up thinking that they loved me. Suicide is a reprecution of people and churches showing hate for those who are different.

Also if you check the # of new STD's with all the states and cross check with the persons sexual orientation you will find more heterosexuals are getting STD's than Homosexuals.

If we as a people were to actualy live the teachings of Jesus then we would show unconditional love to those around us.

Untill that happens i will fight for Human rights to live life and love who ever you love as long as it is not harmful to that person.

Pedofilia is mentaly harful to children and majority of pedofiles are heterosexual men that want to have power over children. The sad thing is that my family accept the pedofile brother for heterosexual reasons.

hiding something | 2:06 p.m. April 1, 2008

I am convinced that those conservative types who whine, scream and carry on about people they don't even know or are nowhere around them, (in this case I'm talking about gay people) have got to be hiding something, but aren't doing a very good job of it.
100% straight people don't give a (bleep) what others do in the privacy of their homes or the lifestyle they choose.

Anonymous | 2:07 p.m. April 1, 2008

Even if enough people declare wrong to be right, it doesn't make it so.

Declaring anyone who disagrees with you to be a hate-monger is equally wrong.

If you believe it is wrong and have the guts to say so, that doesn't make you a hater.

Some are more skillful at making their arguments... That doesn't make them more right or more wrong, but it does make them more persuasive... unless of course, you disagree with them, then I guess it makes them a hater

Teaching our Children Well | 2:05 p.m. April 1, 2008

God has given commandments for our happiness and well-being. We should trust Him. As for the commandment to multiply and replenish the earth, further understanding has been provided by modern prophets. We are not to have sexual relations with anyone who is not our husband or wife. Unfortunately, both gays and straights violate that commandment and indulge the desires of the "natural man". This leads to estrangement from God, spiritual death and unhappiness. God loves all people, and He wants us to be "one" with Him; to have true happiness and joy. This requires that we "put off the natural man" - regardless of sexual orientation. Unfortunately, most popular entertainment and the politically correct, tell us we will only be happy if allowed the freedom to indulge the drives of the natural man (or woman). But this doesn't lead to lasting happiness. Children should be taught that the true path to happiness is to trust God, and do our best to follow him and to deny ourselves of all ungodliness. In the current environment, this is not taught in the public schools, so we must ensure it is taught in our homes and churches and synagogues etc.

Re: Sickness.. | 2:07 p.m. April 1, 2008

Just because someone considers an act -- adultery, prostitution, homosexuality, lying, stealing -- as immoral, doesn't necessarily make that someone anti-whoever is committing the act.

There are many gay people who are wonderful people and do much good. Being gay and doing good are not mutually exclusive. Just as being straight and doing evil are not mutually exclusive.

It is possible to hate the act without hating the person who is committing the act.

Oren | 2:11 p.m. April 1, 2008

Put Homosexuality on your resume, see how far it gets you.

It's a choice and not a good one. It's not the norm even if those practicing it want it to be.

Next time you're out in public, announce loudly, I'm a homosexual and see what it gets you.

RE: FOOL | 2:21 p.m. April 1, 2008

I am a gay man. Believe me when I tell you that I have a very healthy and significant self esteem. Any issues I may have had in the past had NOTHING to do with my sexual identity, it stemmed from the constant string of bigotry and animosity I have received from those who proclaim their virtues as a Christian.

Willie | 2:23 p.m. April 1, 2008

another fine example of;

Family Values
Mormon Values
Conservative Values
Republican Values
Utah Values

Please stay away from me, I don't want to catch the sort of "social" diseases you are trying to spread.

Recruiting? | 2:36 p.m. April 1, 2008

Not really knowing much about the topic, most of the instances I read on this board of gay recruiting, are involving teenagers. This doesnï¿½t really say much, since sexual promiscuity for heterosexual teenagers is just as prevalent. I would think that if you donï¿½t want teenagers to be sexually active (both heterosexually and homosexually) then you should probably begin with an informative and open discussion at home. To ignore this as a parental responsibility, no doubt will lead to problems that you will eventually have to face one way or another.

re: Gay Agenda Definition | 2:35 p.m. April 1, 2008

Gay Agenda Definition
They have equal rights. You mean additional rights.
There is a Gay Agenda. It is to get the lifestyle mainstreamed and accepted as normal by whatever means necessary. Hence SB1441 in Cal. Also, about 15 years ago the Congress debated a bill that had an addendum that would have "forced" ALL universities to teach creationism and homosexuality as an alternate lifestyle. Most people don't know how close the church came to closing the doors of BYU, Ricks, and BYU-H. I was not involved directly but I was a pretty close bystander to the administrators (almost family close), and they were VERY worried. Luckily the bill failed. You want an agenda put that on the list.
Also, fall 2007 there was a class on Michigan's campus title "How to be Gay: Male Homosexuality as a Cultural Practice". It was repeatble for a total of six credit hours. Eng317 sec001. Taught by Halperin,David M. Our tax dollars at work!

Anonymous | 2:40 p.m. April 1, 2008

As a straight male I would agree that gay behavior is weird to me, but I really don't care one way or the other what other do.
The people who make the biggest deal about it are no doubt hiding something.

noodle | 2:59 p.m. April 1, 2008

I would like to know how some people would feel if i said that i don't want to have the christian agenda pushed on me. I don't want to have my children indoctrinated with their beliefs. Christianity is not the only way to be a person who has sound morals.

Anonymous | 3:10 p.m. April 1, 2008

Someday, hopefully sooner than later, the phrase "Gay lifestyle" or "Gay agenda" will be thought of like we think the phrase "taking the motor car to the moving picture show" is for us today.

irony | 3:16 p.m. April 1, 2008

The ironic thing is that lesbians have far lower STD rates than heterosexuals. So should we avoid that unhealthy straight lifestyle??

what are they hiding? | 3:23 p.m. April 1, 2008

A truly happy, well-adjusted straight person isn't concerned with the sexual habits of others.

They simply do not care one way or the other.

I wonder what it is that the most vicious of gay-haters are hiding (or trying to hide)?

Re: hiding? | 3:55 p.m. April 1, 2008

"A truly happy, well-adjusted straight person isn't concerned with the sexual habits of others?"

What an extremely naive and thoughtless comment. I'm sure I could give you examples of sexual habits that would upset even you, but this is a family newspaper blog.

I don't hate gays and have nothing to hide, but I do fear that if the gay lifestyle ever becomes the "norm," there will be nothing left of society worth preserving.

re: what are they hiding? | 4:04 p.m. April 1, 2008

Fact is: we don't care one way or the other about your sexual habits. That's ultimately between you and God. What we do care about is your incessant whining for the public acceptance of your habits.

Simple concept here: if you don't want people to talk about it, keep it to yourselves.

PS - your argument doesn't really gain anything by the constant name calling of anyone who disagrees with you.

Indiana | 4:02 p.m. April 1, 2008

Listen up you defensive types. I just read nearly every message on here. I did NOT, repeat, did NOT read any overt hate. No one hates you. You get mad at people because they say homosexuality is a sin. Well, it is! If that makes you upset, get mad a God; alot of good that will do you. We did not make the rules. We do however stand by the Saviour and the rules He set up for those who wish to return to His presence. All sexual promiscuity is a sin, heterosexual and homosexual. Sex is for within the bonds of marriage for 2 people (a man and a woman) who have saved that precious gift for the one they want to spend their life/eternity with. This life is not all there is. It is however a time to prepare to meet God and we don't want to waste it.

No one hates you. We just do NOT like the sin and the way it is growing and affecting youth...

WJ | 4:23 p.m. April 1, 2008

I don't believe that homosexuality should be portrayed as acceptable, but be careful how you judge. I once knew someone who was gay who would have chosen not to be if he could.

Ya know... | 4:18 p.m. April 1, 2008

...there are no debates as to if heterosexuality is right or not. So, if it takes 3 pages to discuss this, and many pages every time this issue comes up, couldn't it be a possibility this is NOT a good thing to be involved in? Just a thought.

Houston | 4:27 p.m. April 1, 2008

I get so tired of hearing about the "gay agenda". I have been in a relationship for 10 years and the only agenda I have is to go bowling 2 nights a week and to keep my life as simple as possible.

I work hard, try to live a good life, pay my bills and travel when I feel like it.

I don't tell my children to hate others because they are different. I have served my church and my country.

Now let me live in peace as far away from the bigots that populate the state of Utah.

yep, definitely hiding something | 4:34 p.m. April 1, 2008

A glance at Re: hiding 3:55 & 4:04
indicates that these people simply cannot get beyond their obsession with gay people and what gay people do or don't do in the privacy of their own homes. These people who are obviously hiding something (those 100% secure with their sexuality, simply don't care) and would have us believe gay people are storming into their houses like al quaida is supposed to do and performing sexual acts in front of them.

I think there is some deep-hidden sickness amongst these types who obsess about this.

DeLaval Milker | 4:28 p.m. April 1, 2008

Oren writes "It's a choice and not a good one"??

When did you choose straight? Further to that, do you suppose someone would ever subject themselves voluntarily to the abuse, discrimination and hostility that must come with being gay in the most narrow minded place in the nation by choosing to do so?

rich | 4:29 p.m. April 1, 2008

Utah County is the a joke.
I love reading about the people there, I love seeing the movies that unmask the truth about Utah County, it really is fun.
Thanks again Utah County, you gave me something to laugh at, unfortunately you are hurting other people with your hate laws and your false sense of superiority.
One thing is for sure, if there is a Jesus, he loves everyone, even the gays. I know that's a news flash for all you LDS/Utah County people, but it is true. I use to go to the LDS church, and they actually teach love, there is just a huge disconnect with the teachings and what is practiced.
Thanks for the laughs though.

Ray | 4:51 p.m. April 1, 2008

Homosexuals have to be made to remain in the closet, there is no place for such abnormal behavior in an open civilized society. Homosexuality like crime or any other adverse social condition increases and spreads when not controled. In the schools, like drugs, it is passed off as being cool. Too many young people are getting off on the wrong foot because of gay influence.

Live and let live | 4:48 p.m. April 1, 2008

I'm LDS, I don't mind people being Gay. I don't want Gay unions to be labeled Marriage for my own reasons or my children to feel that Gay is normal/acceptable as behavior in their youth at least, where I, being the parent, would have influence over their future and growth.

I can teach them that it is wrong and the religious philosophy behind it. However, I would also teach that everyone has the agency or will to decide for themselves what they will. I teach that it is wrong in God's eyes but that it isn't my place to force my will on others.

So in this light understand that being LDS doesn't mean hating Gays.(Utah is irrelevant, people on here REALLY need to travel more... It does happen to be a national topic of debate)

But there are some who are LDS who are more extreme. There are some who are Gay who are extreme. I have a friend who is gay and we get along fine. Why can't you people?

Many shout against my freedom to speech on this matter. They are wrong. There are two sides. I'm getting along, I know some gays who do.

MP | 4:54 p.m. April 1, 2008

I believe that we, as a society, are confused about what is right & wrong! Read & ponder the following -
2 Timothy 3: 1-7
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Live and let live Continued.. | 5:02 p.m. April 1, 2008

My point is that I live with the acknowledgment that I believe as I do and so does my neighbor. This meeting isn't intolerance. Teaching that same-gender attraction is a social problem under certain views while acknowledging that the others are free to think is not intolerance.

This is called a difference of opinion. Intolerance would be teaching children that no one has the right to be Gay or that they don't have to respect someone who is Gay because of the fact.

Intolerance is stating to a person that disagrees and goes their own way that they are in error and doesn't accept their rights either.

Just live and let live!

jay | 5:03 p.m. April 1, 2008

what exactly is the 'homosexual agenda?' and if such an agenda exists, then I am really interested as to what part of elementary school curriculum it falls under. Math? Science? Social Studies?

Brandon Burt | 5:05 p.m. April 1, 2008

For all you people who are scared of the so-called "homosexual agenda," I suggest you stay well away from its purveyors.

You can start with me. I suggest you keep a distance of at least 3 miles. Then we'll all be happy.

Anybody who wants to bring back the days of anti-gay brutality is crazy and evil, and should be shunned.

If you don't feel you need to tolerate our existence on this planet, we won't feel any need to tolerate yours, either.

Just wondering | 5:05 p.m. April 1, 2008

Can anyone suggest a valid argument against homosexuality that isn't based in religion?

Anonymous | 5:06 p.m. April 1, 2008

One of the not-so-talked about facts about Salt Lake City is its large gay population. Second to San Francisco in fact.

The gays I know are respectable, law-abiding people and are absolutely no threat to me or my children.
In discussing the matter with my children, I could never in a million years play God with them by suggesting I know how God must view gays. I leave that for the conservative-types. I simply teach my children to accept and love everyone, though different from you. But I am fortunate in that is how I was raised. Others are not so lucky and now have biases, prejudices, fears and even hatred towards these people even though they are not bothering them in any way but being themselves.

I follow my own heart | 5:10 p.m. April 1, 2008

Sorry MP, although I am very glad bible stories are important for you, if I would focus on bible stories instead of following my own heart and trust in myself regarding this matter, I would still believe in talking snakes in The Garden.

It appears | 5:17 p.m. April 1, 2008

That these two Groups that Align themselves with each other are trying to promote an Agenda of killing and rioting against people.

I will let you know that BYU has more Gay's than that of any other University in Utah.

So, maybe the Church should step in here, and defend it's own children.

Homosexual kids? Kids make there own choices, they either have that sort of attraction or they do not.

Other peoples lifes styles do not convert people to (that corner) or any other.

If anything, people (children) despise one life style over another.

The same gender attraction thing is just what it is.

Until all of you "holier than thou" people quit all your sins that are not publisized, you really have no room to complain much.

Indiana | 5:18 p.m. April 1, 2008

to I follow y own heart: It is too bad you don't... Those Bible stories are pretty crucial to understanding God, His Son, Jesus Christ and our place among them... all good things to know.

RE: Ray | 5:20 p.m. April 1, 2008

You have no civilized society.

I've seen it. I see it every day on the news and in Your home.

Ray, we will Make a Closet for you.. Because, that's exactly where you belong.

Disgusted by people i love | 5:30 p.m. April 1, 2008

I AM GAY and i dont even know of this Gay agenda?? how can straight people?
What happend to the SEPERATION of CHURCH and STATE? I want to get married YES i said married to the same sex no way do i want to have an lds ceremony i just want to be able to visit the one i love on his death bed if he is there or be able to just own the same house and say we are happily married.

Jennifer | 8:40 p.m. April 1, 2008

There is no 'homosexual agenda'. It is more like 'homophobia agenda', fear and hate towards those who perhaps have those feelings and it is so frightening to them, they create some imaginary conspiracy theory to wipe it off the face of the earth, rather than look inwards and accept what is there. What is scary to me, is that this low level conciousness still exists in 2008!

Adam Streeter | 10:26 p.m. April 1, 2008

I am gay, and I graduated from American Fork High School. I know the principal there, and I am glad that she decided to cancel this meeting, not because I have some personal agenda, but because it just isn't the appropriate venue for such a thing. Unfortunately, Belinda Jensen still chose to spread awareness of this event using her PTSA contacts and her PTSA e-mail account, even after it was canceled at the school. This is unethical no matter which side of the issue she falls on.

I can only imagine how the gay students at AF High feel right now. They are represented by a person who is not working in their best interest and feels that their identity is the result of some grand scheme to corrupt society.

This is the kind of thing that causes suicide and drug use. Not the fact that the students are gay, but the fact that they are pushed into ghettos and closets and made to feel that their schools, their religions, even their own families want nothing to do with them.

It sounds like this man's presentation was nothing but generalizations and stereotypes that have no grounding in reality.

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