from Gay Activism in the Schools

Spitzer Study At Center Of
Sex Ed. Debate In Maryland

September 27, 2005 - Parents who favor the teaching of acceptance for homosexuality in Maryland's public schools held a symposium on the topic last Sunday.

At the center of debate was Dr. Robert Spitzer's 2003 study on the reality of change for individuals with unwanted same-sex attractions. Regina Griggs, the executive director of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays (PFOX) said that Spitzer's study is "critical" and shows that people "have the right to self-determination and that change is possible."

Sponsors of the TeachtheFacts.org organization, however dismissed Spitzer's study. Dr. Paul A. Wertsch of the American Medical Association said the study was biased because it drew most of its subjects from ex-gay therapists or ministries. Wertsch heads the AMA's Committee on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Matters and has a son who is a homosexual.

According to Dr. Spitzer, who favors gay marriage, "Like most psychiatrists, I thought that homosexual behavior could be resisted, but sexual orientation could not be changed. I now believe that's untrue."

Dr. Spitzer's study consisted of interviews with 200 former homosexuals. He found that for the 143 men and 57 women, the change in their sexual orientation had been significant.

Earlier this year, PFOX and Citizens for a Responsible Curriculum filed a lawsuit against the school district saying its sex education materials discriminated against ex-gays. A federal judge agreed and the curriculum was scrapped by Maryland Superintendent Jerry Weast. A new citizens committee to create revised materials is to be selected on October 11.

Additional Reading: Spitzer Study Published: Evidence Found for Effectiveness of Reorientation Therapy; Dr. Robert Spitzer Interviewed In 'Christianity Today' Magazine; The Innate-Immutable Argument Finds No Basis in Science.