Is there a cure for homophobic Christians?

The recent furore about anti-gay ads on buses in London, has shone the spotlight on the shadowy activities of evangelical 'Christian' groups who claim to be able to 'cure' homosexuality. It all began when the gay group Stonewall paid for an advertising campaign on London buses with the slogan - " Some people are gay. Get over it!". So far so good, nothing wrong with challenging homophobia, but predictably, an evangelical Christian group - The Core Issues Trust ("God's heart in sexual and relational brokenness") - retaliated with a bus ad which read - "Not gay! Post-gay, ex-gay and proud. Get over it!". The ad was immediately banned by Boris Johnson, the London Mayor, who is obviously sensitive about such issues in an election period and doesn't want to alienate the gay vote in London. Predictably, The Core Issues Trust are now considering legal action.

What really matters about this story is the fact that ultra-conservative Christian groups have been peddling 'cures' for homosexuality for some time now. These bigots, who are clearly unable to cope with the reality that God created homosexuals, if you believe in God that is, are tormenting gay Christian men and women with the 'hope' that they can be heterosexual. This is not just extremely offensive, it is psychologically damaging to those who are subjected to this cure and and encourages prejudice against gay people. The American Psychological Association (APA), the world's largest association of psychologists has stated that:

“Homosexuality is not a mental disorder and the APA opposes all portrayals of lesbian, gay and bisexual people as mentally ill and in need of treatment due to their sexual orientation".

What should really concern us is whether there is a cure for so-called Christians who are prejudiced against gay people. I believe there is - they just need to follow the teachings of Jesus and start behaving like real Christians, leaving their bigotry behind them. In the meantime if you want to help diminish the malign influence of these 'Christian' groups please sign this petition which calls upon MPs to refuse to use the services of interns provided by the 'Christian' group CARE which sponsors 'gay cure' events.