Family Institute does not 'hate' gays

In a recent letter-to-the-editor, Mr. Roger Fraser of Rolling Meadows denounced three Christian non-profit groups, again disparaging the Illinois Family Institute (IFI) as "bigoted and reactionary" for not respecting homosexual and related lifestyles.

Yet in his diatribe, he reveals his own anti-traditional Christian bigotry and an extreme lack of tolerance.

Moreover, liberal activists are intellectually dishonest in their attempts to label groups like IFI as "hateful" and anti-gay. While IFI does publicly stand against public policies that give special protections and recognition to homosexual behavior, we do not "hate" homosexual people.

Fraser is correct in pointing out that IFI opposes unneeded federal special rights legislation for homosexual, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. The proposed federal law would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of "actual or perceived sexual orientation." We oppose creating new civil rights categories based on changeable (and often unhealthy) sexual behaviors - which should never be equated with race, color and creed.

Moreover, we believe that landlords and employers who hold to traditional Judeo-Christian beliefs should not have their First Amendment rights to oppose homosexuality quashed by politically correct legislation.

IFI will continue to oppose public policy proposals based on state-enforced acceptance of homosexual behavior.

But we also believe that every human being is created in the image of God, and hence should be treated with love and respect. That includes loving and respecting people enough to tell them the truth about the health risks of homosexual practices and the truth that people can overcome homosexuality in their lives.

David E. Smith

Executive Director

Illinois Family Institute, Glen Ellyn