Two months before the issue hit centre stage, this comment article neatly explains the error of the ways.

	Funding for Exodus's ads came from blatantly political, anti-gay groups, including the Christian Coalition.	A flurry of media attention has surfaced recently around "conversion therapy" for lesbians and gay men. This was spawned by advertisements in major newspapers featuring testimonials from "ex-gays" and purporting that other homosexuals could decide to change their sexual orientation. These ads were placed by Exodus International, a group claiming to convert homosexuals through intensive scriptural reading, prayer and analysis of what went "wrong" during the subjects' childhoods that led to their developing a homosexual orientation. While Exodus may appear nonpolitical, funding for its ads came from blatantly political, anti-gay groups, including the Christian Coalition. This conversion notion -- based on the premise that homosexuals can be "fixed" -- is a homophobic attack on society. I am sorry for the ill-informed who will find validation for their homophobia in this "change is possible" notion. I also am fearful because the homophobia that goes along with promoting this notion will generate greater oppression, more discrimination and increased violence against homosexuals. Exodus keeps no records of people it claims to have "cured." A sizable majority of mental health professionals denounce its work, and deem it psychologically damaging. I know lesbians and gay men who have gone to amazing lengths and years of Exodus-style "reparative therapy" attempting to change their sexual orientation. The lucky ones were able to reclaim their lives honestly, and affirm their homosexuality. All carry horrific memories of torment they suffered while failing to convert. We are all born with a predisposition to be sexual. An amazing variety of genetic and environmental factors contribute to the make-up of this sexual orientation.
	Exodus keeps no records of people it claims to have "cured."	However, we celebrate the beauty and mystery of our humanity by acknowledging that it doesn't matter what our sexual orientation is, or how it was determined. What does matter is our self-esteem and self-respect, which should lead us to respectful, compassionate, meaningful ways of expressing our sexuality. Applying this belief, homosexuality probably can't be changed, but -- more important -- it does not need to be changed. From this perspective, not only is homophobia a choice, but homophobic people can be converted. I am a joyful witness to many cases of homophobic individuals growing to understand, love and support their homosexual friends and relatives. This unconditional love does not demand celibacy or "staying in the closet"; instead, it acknowledges our inherent right to pursue a joyful, honest life, free from discrimination and oppression. These people, who love our humanity, understand that we all should have the opportunity and encouragement to honestly and respectfully express our love and sexuality. If this understanding is accepted and practiced, it will eradicate homophobia in a few generations, which will give us a happier, healthier society. Groups like Exodus will have no place in our culture because a healthy, loving acceptance of all sexual orientations will have replaced the worn-out demand to appear straight. We will have more time and energy to devote to respecting, supporting and loving one another as we travel this short course of our lives.