Judge Rules in Favor of Ex-Gay Group

Prohibits public schools from implementing anti-ex-gay curriculum

News Release May 6, 2005
Contact: Regina Griggs, Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX) Executive Director, 804-453-4737

Montgomery County, Maryland – A United States District Court has granted the request of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX.org) for a temporary injunction prohibiting the Montgomery County, Maryland public schools from implementing an anti-ex-gay sex ed curriculum.

U.S. District Court Judge Alexander Williams, Jr. ruled that the curriculum threatened PFOX's constitutional rights, including the First Amendment freedom of speech.

In his opinion, Judge Williams noted some of the curriculum's biased statements against ex-gays, including statements claiming that `[t]rying to change one's sexual response to straight or gay is usually unsuccessful,' and that `[i]n fact, it is often societal homophobia that forces people to attempt to change.'

"These statements were approved as teacher resources by the Montgomery County, Maryland Board of Education and its Citizens Advisory Committee," said Regina Griggs, executive director of PFOX.

"The School Board can follow its own stated goal of diminishing sexual orientation discrimination by starting with the ex-gay community," said Griggs. "The School Board failed to include resources with positive portrayals of former homosexuals and, instead, approved resources that attempt to discredit their decisions and experiences. The ex-gay community must not be excluded or discriminated against in our schools."

PFOX and its co-plaintiff, Citizens for a Responsible Curriculum, are represented by Liberty Counsel.

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