Homophobic nonsense

Letters

Editor: I received the May 21 issue of the Jewish Western Bulletin and was shocked to find an advertisement saying "We believe in Mom and Dad. We believe in marriage," sponsored by Focus on the Family Association. I could not believe that the Jewish Bulletin would print an advertisement that, in my estimation, promotes discrimination and intolerance.

I believe in marriage. My husband and I have been married 28 years and we have three children. However, I do not expect everyone to share my belief about marriage, or to live and raise his or her children in the same home situation as my husband and I have chosen to raise our children. This ad suggests that the home situation (they use the term family) is "the schoolroom for life" for children and I agree. However, I do not believe that I should teach my children to hate others who do not share my opinion about marriage, or to shun families who do not have the same home situation as our family enjoys.

I also believe that children should be taught that they are not lessened by the actions of others. This ad suggests that "if you believe in it, protect it." My children do not need to protect something they believe in by insisting that everyone around them share their view.

This group appears to suggest that a situation that has a "mom and dad" is the only family situation that "promotes the principles for healthy family living." Does that mean that a parent who has been widowed cannot have a "healthy" family? Or that a man and a woman who do not have children are unhealthy? How does this group know?

I would hope that the folks charged with the duty of reviewing the advertisements carried in the Jewish Western Bulletin refuse to carry any further postings from Focus on the Family. If this is not possible, please cancel my subscription. I do not want such homophobic nonsense in my home.

Gerri Klein
Vancouver

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