Courtesy of GayWired

Focus on the Family's message claims that people are not born homosexual and that it can be prevented or treated. Otherwise known as "reparative therapy," the message has drawn criticism -- not only from gay lesbian, bisexual and transgender people -- but also from national medical and psychiatric associations. The conference drew protests from gay-rights groups.

Protesters began the day by picketing quietly on the sidewalk by the main entrance to the sprawling church grounds. "It's not about shouting slogans," Pam Erwin of Palm Springs told The Desert Sun. She held a sign that read, "I reconciled my faith and sexuality." "Whatever your religious belief, there's no room for hate," she said. Other protest messages included proclamations like "Don't psychologically torture your child" or "God made you gay. Why fight him?" reports The Press-Enterprise.

One protester standing outside the church was Michael Bussee, a Riverside, Calif. resident and gay man who helped found Exodus International, a nationwide umbrella group for ministries trying to change the sexual orientation of gay people. He told The Desert Sun that it was "a mistake" to think that he could rid himself of his sexual attraction to members of the same sex.

Bussee also said he doesn't think organizations like Exodus are hate organizations. "I just believe that the message that they send... reinforces cultural attitudes that being a homosexual is bad and that any decent person would want to change."

 Hey Michael? Whatever you say. {shrug}

Until next time.