Readers of PinkPaper.com have publicly expressed their anger at a 'gay conversion' conference which is being held in the heart of London, today.
Since our story went live this morning, numerous readers have taken to social networking site Facebook to vent their anger and frustration at the event, which is called The Lepers Amongst Us: Homosexuality and the Life of the Church.
Organised by The Core Issues Trust, the conference is taking place at
the Emmanuel Centre church, Westminster, until 8pm.
Almost immediately after the story went live at 9am this morning it became the most-read article on our official webpage – remaining there throughout the day.
Organisations including Terrence Higgins Trust have also shared the story online, helping it go viral.
In response, one PinkPaper.com reader described the conference as "
outrageous," while another claimed it was "foolish".
One man asked: "If any local authority or
government organisation uses the hall, ask them what their policy is on
diversity and how it complies with legal requirements and obligations?
Maybe any groups should then consider not using the venue and show the
power of disapproval."
In addition, another reader said:
"If this convention was denigrating religion or race would it still been allowed to take place? I think not."
The news has also sparked comment and debate on our sister site, DIVA.
Meanwhile, here on PinkPaper.com's Facebook page, one user summed up the mood by quoting Gandhi, saying:
"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."
Professor Andrew Samuels, Chair of the United Kingdom Council for
Psychotherapy, condemned the practice of so-called conversion therapy.
He told PinkPaper.com: "This isn’t about respecting
religious belief or freedom of speech. Those are just smokescreens. This
is really about homophobia – fear and hatred of sexual minorities –
often fuelled by highly controversial readings of scripture.
"Every responsible organisation in the field of psychotherapy,
counselling and mental health has expressed extreme concern at the
practice of therapy intended to change sexual orientation. Such attempts
are profoundly unethical, don’t work, and exploit the undeniable
difficulties people from sexual minorities experience in our society.
It is vital that people don’t get fooled by expressions of love and
support for gays and lesbians emanating from the Core Issues Trust."
Despite calls from PinkPaper.com, the Emmanuel Centre are yet to respond to our questions.