(AgapePress) - The director of counseling at Grove City (Pennsylvania) College is criticizing the National Education Association (NEA) for denying an ex-homosexual group entrance to its annual convention.

For the second year in a row, the powerful liberal organization has denied exhibit space at its annual convention to the Virginia-based group Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays (PFOX). Psychology professor Dr. Warren Throckmorton says with this move, the NEA has once again demonstrated its intolerance of ex-homosexuals.

PFOX is a group that supports the right of homosexuals to choose change and provides information and resources to individuals and family members who are dealing with homosexuality. Contrary to the NEA's official position, PFOX does not believe that homosexuality is an inborn, unchanging trait. In an effort to present its information to educators, PFOX applied for booth space at both the 2002 and 2003 conventions. But the group's request was denied, first with a false claim that all exhibition space was sold out, and later, with a simple rejection of their application. [See Commentary by Throckmorton]

So far, the NEA has refused to explain the yearly snub, saying only that it reserves the right to select exhibitors at its events. But Throckmorton has an explanation; he believes the powerful teacher's union has "ex-homophobia."

"One can speculate that the content of the PFOX exhibit was somehow offensive to them. It certainly is not the message that the gay-affirming or gay activist exhibitors would be bringing about homosexuality," the professor says.

The NEA has two sets of rules -- one for homosexual activists and another for ex-homosexuals and their supporters, Throckmorton says. He has been vocal in his criticism of the organization's double standard. "If the information about same-sex orientation is going to be presented, then in fairness, present all sides of the matter," he says.

In a recent article, Throckmorton asserts that the NEA's statement that it excluded PFOX from its convention on purpose is tantamount to an admission that it discriminates against ex-homosexuals. In an organization that trumpets its nondiscrimination policies toward a host of diverse groups, he feels the NEA's actions violate its own standards. The psychologist cites the national union's stated commitment to "advocate human, civil and economic rights for all," and adds "... for all but ex-gays, it appears."

Throckmorton feels the same thing that is happening at the NEA convention is happening in public schools around the United States. Open discussion that includes opposing views about homosexuality rarely happen because an atmosphere has been created which effectively censors more conservative points of view. "Teachers and school counselors are afraid to present all of the information lest they be considered homophobic," he says.

Throckmorton says the NEA is aiding and abetting such intolerance by failing to present educators with all sides of the issue. He wonders whether the organization's leaders are afraid members are not capable of evaluating all sides of the issue without having alternative views screened out.

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