Homosexuals Anonymous

Homosexuals Anonymous
Founded1980
FounderColin Cook, Douglas McIntyre
Location
Key people
Douglas McIntyre, National Director[1]
Websitewww.ha-fs.org

Homosexuals Anonymous (HA) is an ex-gay group which practices conversion therapy[2] and describes itself as "a fellowship of men and women, who through their common emotional experience, have chosen to help each other live in freedom from homosexuality."[3] HA regards homosexual orientation as "sexual brokeness" that may be "healed" through faith in Jesus Christ.[4] In common with other Christian fundamentalist groups, HA regards heterosexuality as "the universal creation-norm".[2][4][5] This approach has been criticized for stressing that a person must renounce homosexuality to be a Christian,[6] and because there is no valid scientific evidence that sexual orientation can be changed.[7]

Christopher Melilo, Colin Cook and Douglas McIntyre, who all claimed to have struggled with same-sex attractions,[8] founded HA in 1980 with financial support from the Seventh-day Adventist denomination.[9] HA uses a 14-step program[10] developed by Cook, based on his own experiences.[11] Cook resigned in 1986 following a scandal involving him allegedly having sex with 12 out of the 14 male clients interviewed from 1980 to 1986.[2]

  1. ^ "From CPAC: Gay converter says "Change is possible"". TalkRadioNews.com. Talk Radio News Service. February 26, 2009. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  2. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference Lawson was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ "Home". ha-fs.org. Homosexuals Anonymous Fellowship Services. September 12, 2009. Archived from the original on 2010-08-13. Retrieved November 10, 2010.
  4. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference jsjones was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference Cook was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference Kell was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ Satcher, David (July 9, 2001). ""The Surgeon General's call to Action to Promote Sexual Health and Responsible Sexual Behavior", A Letter from the Surgeon General". surgeongeneral.gov. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Archived from the original on June 15, 2012. Retrieved November 19, 2010.
  8. ^ "Treasures: The Official Newsletter of Homosexuals Anonymous Fellowship Services" (PDF). Homosexuals Anonymous Fellowship Services. August 2009. p. 5. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 26, 2011. Retrieved November 20, 2010.
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference Besen_Ch4 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ Cite error: The named reference Jones was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  11. ^ Cite error: The named reference Cook 9 steps was invoked but never defined (see the help page).