A Pastor's "Sexual Purity Cleansing" of Teen Boys

From Instinct Magazine: 

After several complaints from young teen boys in the area, [pastor Brent] Girouex confessed to having sex with the boys because he was sure it would help “with homosexual urges by praying while he had sexual contact with [them]." 

Girouex admitted to police that he began his "sexual purity cleansing" back in 2007 with four teenage boys, but at least eight other victims have come forward since then. He insists the actions with teens as young as 14 were mutual, with one "relationship" lasting nearly four years.

Really? We have gone from "pray the gay away" to "ejaculate the gay away?"

First and foremost, sexual orientation is not something that can be changed. In any given person, it is what it is - whatever that may be - and it is going nowhere. Of course we have been saying that for what seems like years beyond count, but some people refuse to believe it...for whatever reason. Second, when emotionally vulnerable people are placed in situations like these - made to feel like who they are makes them bad or evil - they are far more susceptible to emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. This incident is a prime and horrific example of this. Many people who attempt conversion therapy only become better emotionally when they come to terms with who they are and accept that conversion therapy is a sham.

There have been numerous stories of the tactics of conversion therapy and how...bizarre...they are. I posted a story some time back where the method of making men with same-sex attractions "straight" involved a bunch of them praying and then playing contact sports. I have no idea why it makes sense to some people that a guy who is into other guys will suddenly be into women because they are surrounded by several other sweaty guys, tackling them to the ground. It just strikes me as counter-productive.

Then there was way back when when it was discovered that Marcus Bachmann (the husband of Rep. Michele Bachmann) had a counseling clinic where part of their methodology included "hug therapy" where the patient was hugged by their therapist. Did I mention that many of the people working at these places are "ex-gays" themselves? And lastly, I will mention that some of these conversion "doctors" will have patients beat effigies of their mother with a stick, because that seems like a perfectly healthy way of turning a gay person straight. And now we have a pastor who thinks he can make teen boys ejaculate the gay out of themselves and will do what it takes to "help" them out.

The Iowa pastor is on $30,000 bond, you know, because he can be trusted in public where there are kids. According to Queerty:

According to local CBS affiliate KCCI 8, a judge issued Girouex a 17-year-prison sentence for the rape of as many as eight underage boys in 2012, but later suspended the sentence to allow Girouex to seek “sex offender treatment” and remain on probation for five years.

So besides being made to feel terrible about who they are, and on top of enduring sexual abuse, there will be no justice at the end of the day. This is one of the worst such stories I have heard in quite some time.

Marriage News Watch: August 12, 2013

Marriage News Watch: July 29, 2013

Marriage News Watch: August 20, 2012

Marriage News Watch: March 12, 2012

The Wrap-Up: February 28, 2012

There are many reasons that the Republican party looks like it is from the Stone Age. Rudy Giuliani points out one of them.

As social conservatives have been trying time and again to end marriage equality in Iowa, the states citizens are going in the exact opposite direction. Seriously, this trend is EVERYWHERE and the knuckle-draggers are fighting the long defeat.

While gay blogs are fairly common here in the States and elsewhere in the "West," they seem to be growing number in (of all places) Lebanon. This is how freedom movements these days start.

These ultrasound requirements are the latest conservative craze sweeping across the nation.

Rachel Maddow takes a look at Governor Bob McDonnell's (R-VA) vision for America. He's giving us a sneak peek here in the Commonwealth...unfortunately.

The New Hampshire GOP attempt at repealing marriage quality rears its ugly head...again.

We are learning more and more about embattled Sherriff Paul Babeu, and it looks increasingly unlikely that his campaign for Congress will end in victory.

Warren Buffett takes it upon himself to bust another conservative myth.

Governor Martin O'Malley has a very important bill to sign this week.

And lastly, you can see my state's legislature hard at work.

The Wrap-Up: January 9, 2012

Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-AZ)

This weekend, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords was on-hand to mark yesterday being the 1 year anniversary of the shooting that took place at Tuscon, Arizona that claimed 6 lives. 

The GOP candidates faced a double-header of debates this weekend and used the opportunity to spread more political falsehoods.

In Sunday morning's debate, Mitt Romney says he doesn't discriminate...except when he discriminates.

Despite the positive jobs numbers from December, Romney continues to say President Obama has made the economy worse.

Some of the contribution numbers have come in on a race that will pit the former first lady of Iowa against one of the House's more outspoken conservatives.

Rachel Maddow

The FBI has finally done something that should have been done ages ago.

Just because Rick Santorum doesn't yell and shout does not make him any less an extremist. He is, in many ways, quite extreme.

I'm sure there are more than just 5 myths on taxes here in the U.S., but here are the big ones.

NFL players are fighting Indiana's proposed anti-labor bill.

The New Jersey state legislature is set to introduce a marriage equality bill in the new session.

And lastly, Rachel Maddow showed up to talk politics with Jimmy Fallon. Hilarity ensued (especially at the end of clip 2).

The Wrap-Up: January 5, 2012

Michele Bachmann has exited the race for the GOP presidential nomination. I wonder if God told her to do that like he told her to enter the race?

Despite Santorum's showing in the Iowa Caucuses, he has some bad news headed his way.

Here are some LGBT reactions to the Iowa Caucuses, all 100 words or less.

On the other side of the presidential race, President Obama is solidifying his game plan.

Sarah Palin, based on this interview, doesn't view Rick Santorum's constant judgment of LGBT people as being judgmental.

Nikki Haley

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley is facing some heat from the Tea Party (which had supported her) after her endorsement of Mitt Romney.

That XL "shovel-ready" pipeline that GOP candidates keep harping is, according to a whistle-blower, not safe whatsoever.

The Parliament of Hungary has enshrined discrimination in their new Constitution which took effect this year.

Despite months of Republican obstructionism, President Obama is using the recess to appoint a chief to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Peter Depp

The Tennessee legislature looks poised to give students license to bully their LGBT peers under the guise of freedom of speech.

In lighter Tennessee news, what is it like telling gay jokes there?

And lastly, here is an editorial on the societal double standard on male sexuality.

The Wrap-Up: January 4, 2012

Romney managed to win the Iowa Caucuses by a mere 8 votes more than #2 Santorum. Ron Paul was in third place, and Huntsman was in last place.

Rick Santorum further guts the idea of small-government conservatism thinking states have the right to bar birth-control.

In lighter Santorum news, given his Google problem, this "endorsement" is just really unfortunate...and hilarious.

God has told Pat Robertson who the next President will be. He also told us that we should beware false prophets.

Senator John Thune

A fact check on the jobs numbers Mitt Romney has used for himself (and against President Obama) doesn't look to kindly on Romney.

Newt Gingrich, in a CBS interview, pretty much called Romney a liar. Personally, I have three words for Newt: pot, kettle, and black.

Senator John Thune (R-SD) is under the impression that Mitt Romney is not a part of the 1%. I'm sure it's just an honest mistake. It's not like he's biased and supporting Romney...right?

It's amazing how given all of the anti-gay things Michele Bachmann has said and continues to say, it's only when the media asks her face-to-face that she shies away from these issues and calls it a "gotcha" question. Since when is confronting someone about their record bizarre?

Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)

While House Majority Leader Eric Cantor is staunchly against marriage equality, the same can't be said for his wife. This seems like a running trend for wives of GOP husbands (like Cindy McCain and Laura Bush).

Speaking of Eric Cantor, he and his spokesman are in deep need of a history lesson when it comes to Ronald Reagan and taxes.

Rick Santorum earlier said that the way out of poverty is marriage. If so, New York is on the right path...thanks to marriage equality.

And lastly, here is a photo that I'm sure Papa McCain is none too fond of.

The Wrap-Up: January 3, 2012

Rick Santorum is planning to completely abdicate small-government conservatism in order to annul same-sex couples' marriages. Is he running for President of Gay-Basher-in-Chief?

With Iowa having an unemployment rate far lower than the national average, the economy may not be the number one issue in today's Caucuses.

Five of the GOP candidates are suing the Virginia Board of Elections over the constitutionality of the state's election laws (even though three of them didn't even bother filing petitions to be placed on the ballot at all).

With much of Africa (and a few other places) plunging deeper into homophobia, it's a good thing that the plight of LGBT refugees has seen the light of day.

How is it that CEO's of big banks are still making tons of money even when theirs company's stock are in free-fall?

The support for the SOPA is continuing to diminish in the face of widespread grassroots internet opposition.

A Super-volcano may be awakening in western Germany.

There may be a link between fracking injection wells and earthquakes in Ohio (and elsewhere).

Here is a grim graphic of what the GOP candidates want to do with America's economy and budget. Huntsman appears to be only slightly better (or less bad, depending on how you look at it) than the rest of the bunch, but his chances at the nod are slim at best.

Conversely, here are seven Progressive economic policy goals for 2012.

A Pew Research poll tells us what the most positively viewed political label currently is.

And lastly, here is one way of dealing with home foreclosure.

The Wrap-Up: December 30, 2011

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX)

Apparently, Rick Perry was too proud to ask for details of the court case he was asked about so that he could answer the person's question (instead of blathering on). By the way, the case in question was Lawrence v Texas...which took place during HIS administration (2003). Can he remember anything?

Michele Bachmann's former Iowa campaign chair is endorsing someone else. How the "mighty" have fallen.

Conversely, Rick Santorum may be seeing his time in the Sun.

This is unfortunate timing since Santorum is "peaking" as we approach the Iowa caucuses. This man wants to fundamentally change the United States Constitution.

Sir Ian McKellen (you be the judge)

Some people are so adamantly homophobic that they will even destroy church property as a result.

Former/current congressional Republicans are coming forward to say that Newt Gingrich supported a measure that many conservatives see as exploding the national debt. So much for being for smaller government. 

Also, in Gingrich flip-floppery, Cap-and-Trade!

Ron Paul has been touting an endorsement from a preacher that is so anti-gay that he supports the death penalty for gay people. Ironically, I always thought that Paul bore a striking resemblance to Sir Ian McKellen.

Whichever Republican winds up winning the GOP nomination, there is this significant problem they will face in their battle against President Obama. I would guess that the GOP debates had an affect.

Andy Towle

Cardinal Francis George, after editing previous statements, has reiterated his analogy between parades for Gay Pride and Ku KluxKlan marches. This man is a general failure and luckily, Illinois Catholics aren't buying his snake oil.

Truth Wins Out will be running this strongly worded full-page ad in the Chicago Tribune calling for George to resign.

And lastly, Towleroad takes a look at the past year in LGBT rights.

The Wrap-Up: December 28, 2011

Michelle Obama

Many of the world's worst people met their ends this year.

The assault on voting rights claims another victim.

It's incredibly ironic and hypocritical that the people claiming that Michelle Obama (known in part for her beauty and fitness) is fat are a bunch of overweight men who need to be banned from all fast food joints. What gentlemen they are...

A lot is being said about Ron Paul, these claims of racism/homophobia, and whether or not he wrote the articles in question. Here is an interesting take on all of this.

Lucille Ball

Signs may be showing up that Rick Santorum will drop out of the race after Iowa.

In case you aren't aware, there is a pretty substantial de facto "Gay Tax" on same-sex couples (which is even higher for those raising kids). Mysteriously, all of those tax-cutting Republicans are silent on this issue.

Mitt Romney came up with a far better (and more appropriate) metaphor for Newt Gingrich's Virginia failure than Newt's "Pearl Harbor" comment.

Governor Nikki Haley (R-SC)

The New Hampshire legislature is pushing back a possible vote on (among other things) repealing marriage equality in the state...but just barely.

In a hypothetical match-up against Barack Obama, Newt Gingrich's prospects are looking increasingly bleak.

There is yet even more bad news for Gingrich as he has been quoted as supporting Mitt Romney's health care plan (which many conservatives see as the foundation of Obama's health care plan).

With 2012 being a big election year, there are some people who will be looking to make their political mark.

And lastly, Ron Paul thinks everything is unconstitutional.

The Wrap-Up: December 27, 2011

Governor Rick Snyder (R-MI)

That endorsement that Rick Santorum got from an Iowa conservative leader may have been bought...because that is what God would do I suppose.

Governor Rick Snyder (R-MI) makes it clear that he does not care about the health of the LGBT community.

Across the border in Minnesota, Governor Mark Dayton had something to say about the "sanctity of marriage" hypocrisy in that states' legislature (the state has a proposed constitutional marriage equality ban on the ballot next November).

If you're wondering what exactly they're talking about, this article gives you the low-down, as well as a reaction from Minnesota's LGBT community on the second page (which is pretty awesome).

Congressman Eric Cantor (R-VA)

If marriage equality existed throughout this nation, heartless stories like this would not happen.

Though it may not pass (and even if it does, it's a half measure), a West Virginia delegate is taking a shot at passing a civil unions bill in the coming year.

There are some not-so-good polling numbers coming out of Virginia for Eric Cantor (a Virginia congressman and the House's #2 Republican).

The New York Republican Senators who voted in favor of marriage equality there have received mainly positive feedback.

John Lawrence, as in "Lawrence v. Texas" (which in 2003 ruled that anti-sodomy laws in the U.S are unconstitutional) passed away this past Friday.

Newt Gingrich

Mitt Romney falsely claims that the Obama administration has not created any jobs. Then again, he also falsely claimed that corporations are people, so his "facts" are less than stellar.

Australian psychologists, just like their American counterparts, agree that access to marriage equality leads to better mental health outcomes. 20,000 shrinks can't be wrong.

Newt Gingrich may have gotten caught in another lie. One would think he would get tired of this...

And lastly, here is a clip of Ron Paul discussing some of his fellow candidates on Jay Leno.

The Wrap-Up: December 22, 2011

Senator Scott Brown (R-MA)

In an effort to keep his Senate seat, Scott Brown (R-MA) appears to be backing away from his previous Tea Party positions.

Rick Santorum was asked (and no this is not a joke) how he could get the "gay vote."

Newt Gingrich, on the other hand, has a very different perspective on the "gay vote."

Speaking of Newt, some people REALLY don't like him...like the guy at the top of this video.

Stirring up the fight against Newt Gingrich, yet again, is Ron Paul with a full-court press (I don't actually watch basketball, so I hope that metaphor works).

Conservatives are none too happy with how Republicans (House Republicans in particular) are handling the payroll tax cut.

Matt Damon

Despite Obama's improved approval numbers, there is one of his early high-profile supporters that has some strong criticism of the President: Matt Damon.

Establishment Republicans are going to some extreme lengths to downplay the possibility/importance of a win by Ron Paul in the Iowa Caucuses.

Media Matters counts down the 10 stupidest "Fox & Friends" moments of 2011. I honestly have no idea how they narrowed it down to ten with all of the material they had.

Totally overrated Chuck Norris pinned an op-ed FOR the "American Family Association." I'll never understand why he was ever famous.

Today in awesome anti-Scott Walker signs...

Openly LGBT elected officials are in office in almost every state of the union.

And lastly, a bi-partisan group made this video to speak against the Republican-led move by the New Hampshire state legislature to repeal marriage equality:

The Wrap-Up: December 20, 2011

With just weeks until the Iowa Caucuses, things aren't looking that good for Newt Gingrich. Ron Paul on the other hand...

Speaking of the serial adulterer extraordinaire, many things about his past and his record he would rather people not know.

John McCain shared his thoughts on the death of Kim Jong Il. For once, I agree with the Arizona Senator.

There's this old saying, "It is better to be silent and thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." It seems like someone finally told this to Michele Bachmann who hasn't been answering many questions at her campaign stops. Too little, too late though.

Robert Reich

To those fighting against the anti-marriage equality amendment in Minnesota, these are the types of idiots you're fighting against. Seriously, best of luck.

Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich has an offer for Barack Obama.

Brandon McInerney, the teenager who killed classmate Lawrence King for being gay, was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison. He better pray that Karma does not exist.

There are some grim predictions as to what will happen if the payroll tax-cut expires.

I'm not done with Newt yet, especially given that he racked up another endorsement...from a pro-adultery website.

Mark Cuban

The Florida Family Association, which apparently got Lowes to stop advertising on "All American Muslim" claimed some other advertising victories including getting Macy's to pull ads from "Degrassi" (a Canadian shows that has tackled LGBT issues). Macy's, however, is calling them on their BS. Another religious organization caught in a lie.

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban talks about gays in the NBA (among other things).

And lastly, here is something to warm your heart as Winter approaches.

this is our year. from Joe M on Vimeo. (h/t Towleroad)

The Wrap-Up: December 13, 2011

Glenn Beck

Did Glenn Beck just call the Tea Party racist?

A study shows the unmarried Evangelicals are getting busy about as much as everyone else.

Fox has a truly terrible problem with telling, or in this case showing, the truth. No wonder their viewers are the least informed of all network news viewers.

In more Fox fakery, they want you to believe that palm trees grow in Moscow, Russia. Personally, I think anyone who would watch Bill O'Reilly for anything other than a laugh probably would go with it.

State Sen. Matt McCoy (D-IA)

While in Iowa, Rick Perry was confronted over his anti-gay stance. Wait, Perry is anti-gay? When did this happen...

An Iowa state senator fears his state's recognition of marriage equality is teetering on the brink (mainly because it is).

A bipartisan group is coming together to oppose the repeal of New Hampshire's marriage equality bill (most New Hampshire residents are against repealing the law).

Martina Navratilova

At a campaign stop in New Hampshire, a gay (and married) Vietnam vet takes on Mitt Romney on marriage equality and New Hampshire's recognition there of. Stay classy Mitt.

For all of his talk about strong stable families, it's somewhat surprising that Santorum is okay with splitting up immigrant families. Maybe this is his brand of compassionate conservatism.

There's some back and forth going on between tennis stars going on far from a tennis court.

The last of Elizabeth Warren's primary opponents has left the field and endorsed her. Now she can focus squarely on Scott Brown and Wall Street.

And lastly, the Kinsey scale just got more complicated (and I need a new number).

The Wrap-Up: December 8, 2011

Peter Sprigg

Here is a brief overview of what will be happening today when the 9th Circuit Court hears arguments about releasing the Proposition 8 tapes.

To answer the question posed in this headline, no. The GOP race was ALREADY a circus. This Trump debate is just making it worse...or better, depending on one's perspective.

That historic speech by Secretary of State Hilary Clinton is drawing ire from the likes of Peter Sprigg...which can only mean it was a damn good speech.

Also sharing his never ending "wisdom" is Pat Robertson.

Clinton's speech was over 30 minutes long, so if you're looking for an abridged version, you are in luck.

Not only did marriage equality not destroy the state of Iowa, it actually helped the economy a bit.

Tyler Clementi

The family of Tyler Clementi, the Rutgers University student who committed suicide after his roommate and an accomplice posted video of him and another man online, have formed a charitable organization to promote acceptance of gay teens and discourage bullying. Hopefully this will bring some good out of an incalculable tragedy.

What may be the national theme in this election cycle for Democrats? One word: FAIRNESS.

Another reason big corporations don't need a tax cut? Many spend more on lobbying than they pay in taxes. Remember this when you're at the polls next year.

As many as 3,000,000 Wisconsinites could face a major barrier when it comes time to vote next year.

Jon Stewart

The mother of a chronically bullied gay teen is going on the offensive against the school district.

The Los Angeles City Council unanimously passed a resolution saying that corporations are NOT people. Even though this measure is non-binding, it shows that those 11 people have a better understanding of the United States Constitution than at least 5 members of the United States Supreme Court.

And lastly, since yesterday I showed you some of Stephen Colbert's greatest gay moments, it's only fair I give Jon Stewart the same opportunity.

The Wrap-Up: November 25, 2011

Governor Sam Brownback (R-KS)

One would think that bad mouthing a politician (especially one that deserves it...which is most of them) would be protected by the 1st amendment. Maybe not.

Stupid things like THIS are why I boycott Black Friday: everyone just goes crazy/stupid.

When it comes to foreign policy, what the GOP candidates said in this week's debate should give us all pause.

Herman Cain thinks he can bring black people back to the GOP. Those with an actual grain of sense think otherwise.

Elizabeth Warren

Massachusetts Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren schools us all on the health care system. First, I love how she lays down the facts. Second, I'm really scared now.

There is some good redistricting news. The surprise: it's from Texas.

There is some not so good LGBT news. What's not a surprise: it's from Texas.

With Newt Gingrich reaching towards the top of national GOP polls, the attacks have begun in earnest.

Mitt Romney has a solid(ish) lead in New Hampshire (their primary, the first, is set for January 10th).

Iowa Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal

With the New Hampshire primaries comes talk about candidates' positions on marriage equality, which will be up for a vote later in the month.

Who would have thought that a Senate seat in North Dakota would turn out to be competitive?

While Senate Republicans in Iowa are pushing hard to debate marriage equality in the chamber (despite being the minority party), the Senate majority leader (Michael Gronstal) makes a strong argument to counter them.

Released in Australia, this is probably the best pro-marriage equality ad that has been made to date.

The Wrap-Up: November 23, 2011

In last night's GOP debate on national security, Rick Santorum flexed his intellectual muscle.

Speaking of last night's debate, CNN did a little fact-checking into some of the statements made.

It looks like Newt's campaign staff pulled a bit of an oopsie.

So much for Swiss neutrality, at least when it comes to this one and same-sex couples adopting.

Contrast his statements with those of actual professionals in the United Kingdom.

A plan by Pennsylvania's governor to rig the state in next year's presidential election may be dead...maybe.

Social conservatives have started meeting in Iowa to stop Mitt Romney's campaign dead in its tracks.

In Maine, where a pro-marriage equality measure may be on the ballot next year, television ads will start airing around Thanksgiving featuring, among other people, religious leaders.

'Tis the season to give, but be careful to whom you give.

Remember that story I mentioned where NOM may have advocated spitting on a lesbian couple? It appears the story has an update.

In another update, while reporting on the win by Spain's "Popular Party" (which is also an anti-gay party), this happened. Now that's how you protest. (h/t Joe My God)

David Wright of the New York Mets.

An Occupy Wall Street protester had a message for President Obama...and hand-delivered it right to him.

A new Major League Baseball labor agreement will include protections based on sexual orientation. Since I mentioned baseball, I guess that means I can add a completely gratuitous picture of:

It seems like more conservative lawmakers in North Carolina are uncomfortable with the state's proposed anti-marriage equality amendment.

Tomorrow being Thanksgiving and all, I'll be in too much of a food coma to do a Wrap-Up, and I'd expect you all would be in too much of a food coma to read it anyway. Happy Turkey to all!!!

Marriage News Watch: November 14, 2011