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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 18, 2004
CONTACT: Diane Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355
TRADITIONAL VALUES GROUP SAYS PENNSYLVANIA SHOULD BE PROUD TO ACCEPT GLSEN’S “F”
(Pittsburgh) – Today a traditional values group responded favorably to the “F” that the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN) is poised to give Pennsylvania and 41 other states. The American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA of PA) claimed this as a victory for the citizens of the Commonwealth.
“An ‘F’ beside your state’s name in GLSEN’s grade book is a victory for children and families. GLSEN is concerned that Pennsylvania does not have enough laws and policies to protect homosexuals and transsexuals, yet we all have equal protection under the law and do not need special laws to validate an unhealthy lifestyle,” commented Diane Gramley, president of the AFA of PA.
The revelation that Pennsylvania would be receiving an “F” came at GLSEN Pittsburgh’s annual meeting on Wednesday. GLSEN’s concern over Pennsylvania’s lack of policies and laws is not substantiated as James Testerman, vice president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) and a teacher for 16 years, says he knows of no cases where teachers have been fired because of their sexual orientation.
“The facts do not back up the assertions that there is rampant discrimination against homosexuals. Laws and policies should not reward a group simply because of the sexual practices in which they engage. There is no need to change the PA Human Relations Act or the PA Fair Educational Opportunities Act to include ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity.’ To do so would be sending the wrong message to the children in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition, they would be discriminatory against those with deeply held religious beliefs that homosexuality is wrong,” Gramley stated.
Children should be warned of the dangers of the homosexual lifestyle not encouraged to experiment in it. Studies have shown that those who engage in homosexual sex are more likely to be exposed to HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, have eating and psychological disorders and be victims of domestic violence.
Schools should be aware of the possible charge of negligence if they, in any way, encourage children to engage in homosexual activity. If that child contracts AIDS in the future and the child’s decision to begin experimentation in the homosexual lifestyle can be directly traced to the school’s policies, is the school not responsible?
“To further protect all the families and children in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, we will try even harder next year to receive an “F-“ from GLSEN. The dangers of the homosexual lifestyle are real, they need not be celebrated or affirmed by changing laws and policies. The compassionate society would instead warn of these dangers,” concluded Gramley.
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