Orange County Housing Ordinance 07/06

PFLAG Orlando Central Florida played a significant role in assuring gender identity /expression was included in Orange County Housing Ordinance

PFlAG members participated in press conference

A booth representing ex-gay teachers at the National Education Association's convention in Orlando drew protests Friday from gay organizations that called it part of a plan to infiltrate the schools with anti-gay teachings.

"They have a right to be there, but it's part of a larger strategy of getting into schools and misinform people," said Wayne Besen, executive director of Truth Wins Out, a Miami Beach-based group that opposes ex-gay ministries.

At the Ex-Gay Educators Caucus booth, the groups' founder said the caucus was created in response to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Caucus, which also had a booth at the convention.

"We're here because they're here," said Jeralee Smith, a California special-education teacher whose two-year-old caucus has about 30 members.

Smith says the caucus wants to combat the idea that a person is genetically predisposed toward homosexuality. When the issue comes up in the classroom, she said, children should be exposed to the view that being gay is a choice.

"The purpose of this booth is that people need to know there are ex-gays," said Janet Boynes, a Minnesota teacher. "The ex-gay movement is based on lies," said Jim Merritt, a pastor of the predominantly gay Joy Metropolitan Community Church in Orlando.

Besen said the ex-gay educators hope to change the minds of students, who tend to be more supportive of gays.

"It's one booth, but it's part of a massive strategy," Besen said.

More than 9,000 educators from across the country are expected to attend the NEA convention, which continues through Wednesday at the Orange County Convention Center.

Jeff Kunerth can be reached at jkunerth@orlandosentinel.comor 407-420-5392