| Besen to AFA: 'Pull fraudulent Video'
by
PageOneQ
Author
and activist Wayne Besen is reporting that the American
Family Association is continuing to use the story
of Michael Johnston, a so-called ex-gay, in their
propaganda campaign against gay and lesbian Americans.
"When I first saw the video featuring Johnston on
the AFA website, I was shocked. How could an organization
like the AFA keep on using an HIV positive, failed
ex-gay, as the centerpiece of their efforts?" Besen
told PageOneQ this morning.
 |
Michael
Johnston
is featured on the
cover of It's Not
Gay. |
Johnston
had claimed his change from being gay to being straight
was with the "power of Jesus Christ." Two years
ago, however, he was allegedly continuing to engage
in unsafe sex. Amid these allegations of continued
encounters -- arranged via the Internet -- Johnston
stepped down from his role as spokesman for the ex-gay
movement. According to Besen, the souces making claims
about Johnston's behavior are credible .
The
American Family Association recently called off a
boycott of Ford automobiles, claiming victory in their
demand for Ford to cease advertising in the Gay and
Lesbian community. Activists throughout the gay community
have responded vociferously to the automobile giant's
decision to pull ads from the gay market. Spokespersons
for Ford have claimed that their advertising decisions
are not based on any pressure from the AFA.
Besen,
citing AFA spokesman Buddy Smith, confirmed reports
that the American Family Association was aware of
Johnston's activities, calling them a moral failure.
"There's more denial at these right wing organizations
than one can imagine," Besen said, "Yet, they continue
to use the stories of those who have failed in their
campaign of deception."
“The
American Family Association is blatantly committing
fraud by suggesting that Johnston has gone from gay
to straight. If they have a shred of decency and morality,
they will immediately stop selling the tape and apologize
for their disgraceful behavior.”
Wayne Besen's blog is Waynebesen.com
|
Originally published on Tuesday December 6, 2005.
|
