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06/20/2006
Spitzer again defends his work against 'ex-gay' revisionism
Just last week, as you may remember, we called out a Concerned Women For America intern for quoting Dr. Robert Spitzer's study on "ex-gays" as if his findings unquestionably showed "the efficacy of reparative therapy." A few weeks prior, we took the same approach with Focus on the Family's resident "ex-gay," Melissa Fryrear (pic.), when she too cited Spitzer's study to further her "it's a choice" message. In both instances we drug out quotes from Dr. Spitzer himself, in which he indicated that his work should not be misinterpreted as any proof that gays can change, and in fact, he said he thought such a sexuality metamorphosis was "highly unusual."
But Spitzer made the statements that we quoted way back in 2001 -- so things could've changed, right?
Happily no. Truth Wins Out founder Wayne Besen (pic.), in his work refuting yet another misstating of Spitzer's results by Melissa Fryrear, has obtained new quotes from Spitzer, wherein the Columbia University professor says:
"Unfortunately Focus on the Family has once again reported findings of my study out of context to support their fight against gay rights,"
And of Fryrear's bizarre linking of pro-gay advocacy to the possibility of lesbian teen suicide (as if ACCEPTANCE is the problem for gay teens) and her suggestion that Spitzer's study shows this, he says:
"Although a third of the subjects in my study reported having had serious thoughts of suicide related to their homosexuality, not one of them blamed the gay rights movement's advocating a 'born-gay' theory of homosexuality as the cause of their suicidal thinking,"
Why thanks for shedding some light, Roberto.
Be sure to look for future clarifications from Spitzer, where we just might learn that despite what the religious right has led many to believe, his name is actually doctor Swallowser, he's really a podiatrist, and his study was actually on the benefits of orthopedic shoes for goat farmers. After all, if the "ex-gays" are going to constantly use a study in ways that the man behind the work himself refutes, then who's to believe any of what they say.
Oh, you're now a toaster, sweetie? AWESOME!
Focus On The Family Accused Of Distorting Research Twice In Two Days [WayneBesen.com]
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