Homosexual Leader Calls AIDS 'a Gay Disease'
Saturday, February 16th @ 8:37 AM
By Pete Winn
CNSNews.com Senior Staff Writer
February 15, 2008
(CNSNews.com) - In a startling admission, the head of a major homosexual activist group said HIV/AIDS is a "gay disease."
The comments were made last Friday at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's (NGLTF) national conference in Detroit by Executive Director Matt Foreman.
"Folks, with 70 percent of the people in this country living with HIV being gay or bi (sexual), we cannot deny that HIV is a gay disease," Foreman told his audience. "We have to own that and face up to that."
Conservative organizations that work on the HIV/AIDS issue say they are shocked.
"Foreman's comments are a dramatic departure from the long-standing strategic and rhetorical orthodoxy of the homosexual 'rights' movement, which in the past has heatedly objected to any such characterization by critics of its political agenda," said Gary Glenn, president of the American Family Association of Michigan.
Matt Barber, policy director for cultural issues at Concerned Women for America, called the admission "refreshing."
For decades, he said, homosexual activists have excoriated anyone who even implied that HIV/AIDS was a disease largely affecting homosexuals. Even the late homosexual journalist Randy Shilts was attacked in the early '80s - when AIDS was first recognized - for referring to the condition as GRID, or "gay-related immune deficiency."
"Because of their war on semantics and being in such denial and not focusing on the reality of the dangers of their behaviors, many people have contracted the disease," Barber told Cybercast News Service.
"Who knows how many lives could have been saved had homosexual activists been honest about the dangers of the lifestyle they choose to engage in," he added.
Indeed, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force lambasted the Bush administration in 2003 for nominating Jerry Thacker to the President's Council on HIV/AIDS. Thacker was forced to withdraw from the nomination, because he supposedly called AIDS "the gay plague."
Thacker, who said he never referred to AIDS as "a gay plague," told Cybercast News Service that he was the target of a politically motivated smear campaign by homosexual activists.
"We've said for a long time now that HIV in this country is a behavioral disease, that you don't have to get it, that if you do engage in risky activities you run the risk of getting it, and that it really has little to do with your sexual preferences," Thacker said.
In fact, HIV is an equal-opportunity disease, he added.
"If by saying that the disease is primarily 'a gay disease,' this is an admission that their sexual practices are more likely to get the disease from one person to another. Then homosexuals are owning up to something that we've known for a long time," Thacker said.
Ironically, the heterosexual Thacker acquired HIV/AIDS from his wife, who had a blood transfusion in 1984, before the blood supply was safeguarded. Thacker, his wife, and his daughter have HIV/AIDS.
The NGLTF's admission, meanwhile, has rocked the homosexual activist community. One homosexual activist, Todd Heywood, told the Lansing State Journal the story was likely to gain traction in coming days and weeks.
"When leaders of the right-wing claim HIV/AIDS (is) a gay disease, we all balk at that claim," Heywood said. "But what happens when a national gay leader says it?"
Foreman has since clarified that he wasn't saying that AIDS is a gay disease worldwide, but it is in the United States.
According to the federal Centers for Disease Control, 70 percent of all cases of HIV occur among men who have sex with other men (MSMs), people who are bisexual, or those who inject illegal drugs with infected needles.
Conservatives like Barber, meanwhile, are calling on other homosexual groups to publicly acknowledge the truth and for groups like the National Education Association to stop promoting the homosexual lifestyle in public schools.
OTHERS DISCUSSING THIS STORY:
Americans for Truth, Concerned Women for America
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From Stephen: While I may agree and disagree with parts of this story, I do find it very interesting that Foreman said what he said -- when he said it.
What do you think? Do you think Foreman is right in what he said, or not? Why do you think he said what he said now -- and not earlier?
Send us your comments -- no matter where you stand on the issue -- and we may choose some of them and post them here.
Send your comments to SBM.Office@SBMinistries.org.
Stephen Bennett
Executive Director ~ SBM, Inc.
1 Cor. 6:9-11; 2 Cor. 5:17
An Important Message from Stephen Bennett, President, SBM
Sunday, February 3rd @ 9:38 AM
Dear SBM Ministry Partners and Friends:
We (the ministry of SBM) have entered our 8th year of full-time ministry to: 1). Reach the homosexual for Jesus Christ; 2). Provide loving, biblical and practical support for parents, families and friends affected by a loved one's homosexuality; 3). To advocate for the natural family; and 4). To take a principled, biblical stand in love against the promotion of homosexuality worldwide.
I'm sure you can imagine, being in this type of ministry is overwhelming to say the least. It is a huge task and calling, one from which I have wanted to run many a time. Because I couldn't handle the calling of the ministry? No. Because it can get very lonely and discouraging.
Don't get me wrong. If you have a loved one who is homosexual, you can understand the "lonely and discouraging" part. However, I am coming at those terms from a different angle.
There are many "ministries" out there that are "popular" in Christianity. Many men and women have millions of "followers" -- and finances which are overflowing. Some of these are what we can refer to as "Christian Celebrity Ministries." Their head figure(s) pack football stadiums. They have huge buildings, one even having its own "zip code." Some have private jets, hundreds of employees and some even own several multi-million dollar homes. I know of a few of them.
Let's face it: the "Cross of Christ" has become a multi-billion dollar industry.
Yet when I was called into this ministry, I came understanding several facts. First, it was ALL about Jesus Christ -- and NOT Stephen Bennett. I always point people to Christ, never to me. Second, I knew the ministry would never be a "popular" among the world -- or even Christians. Third, unless God supernaturally blessed for HIS use for the ministry alone, this would never be a multi-million dollar ministry. Money has corrupted many good men and women. And of course, Christ said money wasn't the root of all evil, but the LOVE of money.
Let me say though, I have no regrets.
The "lonely and discouraging" parts actually come from other Christians. Now, I know I can choose not to feel lonely or discouraged, yet this is how Satan comes against us. Remember, we don't fight "flesh and blood", but "principalities and powers."
I have personally received death threats against myself, Irene and the children (not by Christians, but by homosexual activists.) Why? Because I preach Christ crucified, and new life in Him: freedom from sin -- and freedom from homosexuality. That is NOT a popular message with many homosexuals who have been blinded... however, there is ALWAYS hope. The Lord reached me when I wasn't even looking for Him.
The part though that can be real discouraging is one many people are sick of hearing about from ministries -- and I completely agree: finances -- money to keep the ministry afloat and running smoothly.
In the last 8 years, I have preached God's mercy, our need for repentance and His gospel to set the captives free all around the world. He has opened doors I would have never thought possible. Even if I disagreed doctrinally with a ministry, television or radio program or broadcast, as long as I could preach the TRUTH about Jesus Christ.. I would go.
Through the ministries of Billy Graham, Pat Roberton's 700 Club, D.James Kennedy's Coral Ridge Hour, Dr. Jerry Falwell, TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network), Morris Cerullo's Help Line, EWTN (The Catholic Network).. and most every major secular television program from The O'Reilly Factor, The Today Show, ABC's Evening News with the late Peter Jennings, CNN's Wolf Blitzer, Paula Zahn and Anderson Cooper, a new VH1 "reality' series debuting this month "Old Skool with Terry and Gita"... and so many more... the TRUTH has gone out in a powerful way. All of these doors were opened by the Lord Himself.
Yet we as a ministry stand at a crossroad.
In eight years, many nations and millions of people have heard about Jesus Christ and His power to set the homosexual free from sin. They also know about the ministries of SBM and now, they are also getting to know about TheParentsGroup.com. However, meeting our monthly finances has become a major struggle. Why?
As of last year, we had almost 15,000 people on our postal and e-mail lists... many whom have supported this ministry in one way, shape or form within the last eight years. Yet last year, less than 1% (THAT'S ONE PERCENT) of SBM's support base supported this ministry financially.
That my friends, is heartbreaking and sad.
Believe me, this is NOT a "pity post". It's the honest truth. When churches and Christians close their doors and instead open them to those who "tickle their ears" with health, wealth, prosperity and entertainment instead of the truth that can set many of their members or member's families free, we know biblical prophecy is being fulfilled.
There a many wonderful, Bible preaching and believing ministries out there that people support -- and thank God for them all. SBM also has been blessed with a wonderful group of faithful ministry partners who help supply the means for this ministry to go on. Yet we are pleading now to the Lord in heaven to help us now more than ever.
There have been months we have gone without -- unable to pay simple necessities such as the ministry bills, the mortgage, electric, salaries, and personally doctor's bills. The Lord doesn't want this. We are to be responsible with what He provides and we are. We are frugal with every dime this ministry receives. Yet, as I said, we are at a major crossroad now. We can no longer go on operating the way we have.
I'll be upfront with you all. The ministry of SBM needs to operate on a monthly budget of $15,000 in order to operate properly -- with the right help and means. I've shared that many times with our partners. That may sound like a lot, however, many of our Christian ministries operate on a budget of $2-4 MILLION dollars A MONTH.
As of today, we are beginning what we are calling SBM's "CLUB 15". We are praying that the Lord will provide 1,000 ministry partners to commit to and support the evangelistic, educational and supportive work of SBM for $15 a month or more. Partners can choose different support levels in increments of $15, such as $30, $45, $75, etc.
We are fervently praying over the next 90 DAYS to meet our goal and raise our needed monthly budget of $15,000.
Will you pray about this and consider partnering MONTHLY with SBM?
Maybe you have supported this ministry in the past with a generous one time gift, or even on an "on-and-off" basis. I am simply asking that you commit to sacrificing the cost of ONE PIZZA a month -- ONE PIZZA -- to support the work and ministry of SBM.
I don't need to tell you this, but homosexuality is destroying this nation. Our children -- your children -- are getting trapped and deceived into a lifestyle that is NOW being promoted, celebrated and being marketed as "natural and normal." Nothing could be further from God's truth.
We have been here for you and for others now for the last eight years. MANY people have come to Christ -- those struggling with homosexuality, and even those who have not. Lives have been changed! Souls have been set free and the Kingdom of God has multiplied through the work of SBM. It is now time to say, "Yes, I will gladly partner with SBM monthly because I want to be part of the solution!"
What is our other option if we don't meet our monthly budget?
Last year was one of the ministry's most difficult years of all. Many of you who work go to work full-time or part-time and know you are coming home with a paycheck either every week or month. That's not the case here at SBM. In fact, last year, I had to personally take out a home equity loan to cover my salary for several months... or the mortgage wouldn't be paid, nor our children's tuition. I did that because I believe in this ministry more than anything. However, I will never do that again. I shouldn't have to.
This ministry is THE PEOPLE'S MINISTRY. WE ARE ALL A TEAM. WE ALL MUST DO OUR PART -- or we will FALL apart. I do NOT want that to happen.
As the President of this worldwide ministry, I make sure everyone else's salaries and the ministry's bills get paid FIRST -- before I do. As President, I also don't only work 40 hours a week. Many times, including travel, it can be up around 60 - 70 hours a week I am putting in.
By meeting our monthly budget, SBM will be able to hire the much needed help so the ministry can function orderly and I can work a regular 40 hours a week --- and do that which is most important: spend the proper time with my family.
I thank those of you who already support the work of SBM on a monthly basis. I am not asking you to do more. Pray with me that the LORD HIMSELF will bring our partners who will be the FUNCTIONAL CORE" -- "CLUB 15" -- SBM's Monthly Supporters.
To become a SBM Monthly Partner and Member of SBM's Inner Circle -- "CLUB 15" -- please CLICK HERE NOW. I thank you and most importantly, thank THE LORD in advance for what I pray HE ALONE will do in the hearts of HIS people.
Thank you for your time, your prayers, and your financial partnership -- being part of TEAM SBM. God bless you!
Your brother in Christ,
Stephen Bennett
President, Stephen Bennett Ministries
www.SBMinistries.org
Nationwide Toll-Free 1-800-832-3623
To become a SBM Monthly Partner for $15 or more, please CLICK HERE.
Stephen Bennett
Executive Director ~ SBM, Inc.
1 Cor. 6:9-11; 2 Cor. 5:17
