Ex-Homosexual Group Sues for Discrimination

Special Report - October 20, 2008
A Virginia-based group that works to promote the rights of men and women who choose to leave homosexuality has filed a lawsuit against the Washington DC Office of Human Rights for failing to include former homosexuals in a city wide anti-discrimination policy that gives special protections to homosexual, bisexual and transgender individuals. According to its web site, the DC Office of Human Rights is a government agency charged with “eradicating discrimination and increasing equal opportunities and protecting human rights” in the District of Columbia. In an October 14 press release announcing the lawsuit against the agency, Regina Griggs, executive director of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays (PFOX), said the lawsuit “asks the DC Superior Court to direct the Office [of Human Rights] to include former homosexuals” under DC’s Human Rights Act. The Act prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, education and public accommodation, and includes “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression” in a long list of protected categories. It defines sexual orientation as “male or female homosexuality, heterosexuality and bisexuality by preference or practice,” and “gender identity or expression” as “gender-related identity, appearance, expression or behavior of an individual, regardless of the individual’s assigned sex at birth.”

“Shouldn’t ex-gays enjoy the same legal protections that gays enjoy?” Griggs asked in a press release. “The ex-gay community is the most bullied and maligned group in America, yet they are not protected by sexual orientation non-discrimination laws.”

“Former homosexuals and their friends have been fired from their jobs, repeatedly ridiculed, assaulted, and intimidated,” Griggs added. “This harassment is most often perpetrated by the same groups who demand protection under sexual orientation laws but work to deny ex-gays the same respect.”

Copyright © 2008. North Carolina Family Policy Council. All rights reserved.