A Special Comment: "Pro-Family" Group Urges Parents to Keep Kids Home to Avoid GLSEN's "Day of Silence" April 18

A self-proclaimed “pro-family” group is asking parents to keep their children home from school on April 18 to avoid GLSEN's "Day of Silence." During the annual event, in which students and supportive faculty intentionally remain silent throughout the school day to protest anti-gay bias by people who think Christianity allows their kids to beat up, hassle and terrorize LGBT kids. To avoid this, many LGBT kids are force to live their lives in the silence of the closet while at school. Apparently, one day of silence aimed at fighting bigotry is worse than forcing a kid to be silent at school.

Of course, the good ‘Christian’ people at NotOurKids.org don’t really want their children to beat up LGBT kids at school. They are just out to make the most of GLSEN’s annual Day of Silence. They are out to generate some media attention, raise a few dollars, and capture a few new people to tie into their political machine.

Lets be clear: if beating up on gays was not profitable in terms of media exposure, fund raising and recruitment, the NotOurKids-nicks would not be talking about the Day of Silence.

So these good ‘American Christians’ are out to profit by increasing the misery of LGBT kids, some of whom already face an increased risk of suicide. That pretty much sums up the depth of their commitment to Jesus, his teachings and the idea of a hate-free America.

The NotOurKids-nicks claim this event is “subjecting traditional students to pro-‘gay’ activism that violates their religious beliefs.” In truth, all the Day of Silence Does is give those who have ears to hear a chance to unharden their hearts.

Day of Silence is an annual event promoted by GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, and is scheduled for Wednesday, April 18 this year. In 2006, over 4,000 junior highs, high schools, and colleges participated in DOS, according to GLSEN. According to GLSEN, on last year's Day of Silence, over 500,000 students nationwide were confronted with mute homosexual peers and allies wearing stickers and passing out cards, which stated (in part):

"... My deliberate silence echoes that silence, which is caused by harassment, prejudice, and discrimination. I believe that ending the silence is the first step toward fighting these injustices. Think about the voices you are not hearing today. What are you going to do to end the silence?"

Maybe you should check to see that your local school will have some silence on April 18?

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