barrykind
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Homosexual Mentors for Children Possible Under Big Brothers' Policy
Pro-Family Groups Critical; Dobson Rescinds Endorsement
By Fred Jackson and Jody Brown
July 18, 2002
(AgapePress) - Pro-family groups are denouncing a new policy in the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization that bans discrimination against open homosexuals as volunteers and mentors of children.
Cybercast News is reporting that Big Brothers Big Sisters of America implemented the new non-discrimination policy earlier this month. Among other things, it directs its 500 local affiliates across the U.S. not to exclude any mentor on the basis of sexual orientation. [See Related Article]
Christian groups have been quick to respond. The head of Focus on the Family, Dr. James Dobson -- who endorses Big Brothers Big Sisters in his new book Bringing Up Boys -- has now rescinded his endorsement.
Both Focus on the Family and Concerned Women for America have published a commentary stating that "in light of the ongoing sex scandal involving Catholic priests, the new policy of 'inclusion' by Big Brothers Big Sisters appears reckless and irresponsible." The article is written by Dr. Bill Maier, a family psychologist with FOTF.
Maier points to research which shows that a large number of homosexual men seek adolescent males or boys as sexual partners -- a connection homosexual activists deny. He cites research that reported 73% of homosexual men surveyed had engaged in sex with boys 16-19 years of age or younger; and a study that found 86% of convicted child molesters who described themselves as homosexual or bisexual had molested boys.
The pro-family psychologist also accuses BBBSA of caving in to the kind of pressure that militant homosexuals have placed on the Boy Scouts of America. He tells Cybercast News the decision is politically motivated and that he cannot see how it could be in the best interest children.
Maier says when he worked as a child and family psychologist in California, he referred hundreds of single mothers to BBBSA because he believed strongly in the organization. He says he would continue to support Big Brothers Big Sisters if they would rescind the policy.
A spokeswomen for BBBSA defends the policy, saying the organization believes qualified mentors for children can be found among any category defined in the policy -- thus the reason for non-exclusion. Noreen Shanfelter says it is standard policy to thoroughly screen those who apply as volunteers and reject anyone who might not be considered a safe and effective mentor, and to honor the preferences of parents or guardians.
But Maier, expressing concern for the BBBSA's school-based program, says a child could be matched up with a homosexual mentor without a parent's knowledge or consent.
© 2002 AgapePress all rights reserved
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Posts: 3529 | From: Orange, Texas | Registered: Jun 2002
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