Virulently anti-gay organization Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays (PFOX) were jubilant earlier this week as they announced that Executive Director Regina Griggs had received a ‘certificate of appreciation’ from the District of Columbia:
The certificate, signed by D.C. mayor Adrian Fenty, recognizes Griggs for her “dedication, commitment, and outstanding contributions as Executive Director of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays.”
“Regina’s award is well-deserved,” said Greg Quinlan, President of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays. PFOX presented the award to Griggs last week in honor of her ten years of volunteer service to parents and the ex-gay community.
“Regina has served as executive director without pay. Instead, she prefers that donations be used to develop resources for families and teens, to promote unconditional love for all regardless of sexual orientation, and to seek equal access and protection for the ex-gay community,” said Quinlan. “Her dedication is unparalleled.”
PFOX has been instrumental in ensuring civil rights to all District of Columbia residents. PFOX’s lawsuit against the D.C. Office of Human Rights last year resulted in ex-gays being recognized as a protected class under D.C.’s Human Rights Act. The Office of Human Rights had refused to extend the sexual orientation non-discrimination law to former homosexuals. The court held that the Human Rights Act does not require immutable characteristics for sexual orientation status so that ex-gays are entitled to the same legal protections that gays currently enjoy.
Truth Wins Out immediately called on Washington DC Mayor Adrian Fenty to explain why he handed out an award to a hate group that smears gays and lesbians and promotes “junk science.”
The Mayor’s Office was quick to revoke the certificate,* blaming it on a “staff level error” and apologizing for honoring a group that “runs contrary to the Mayor’s vision of a more open and inclusive city.”
Quite right, too.
For more on PFOX, see Ex-Gay Watch’s previous coverage of the groups extreme activities here.
*Correction: As of 05/01/10, Mayor Fenty has yet to officially revoke the certificate, though he has apologized and admitted it was issued in error.