Conservative Group Launches Campaign to "Pray Away the Gay" in Response to Growing Acceptance of LGBTQ+ Rights

In response to the increasing acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights, a conservative group has launched a new campaign to "Pray Away the Gay." The group, called the Coalition for Traditional Values, is urging Christians across the country to pray for the "salvation and deliverance" of LGBTQ+ people.

"We are seeing a dangerous trend in our society, where homosexuality and other deviant sexual behaviors are being normalized and even celebrated," said Karen White, the group's spokesperson. "We believe that this is not only contrary to God's law, but also harmful to individuals and society as a whole."

The group's campaign has drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates, who argue that it promotes harmful and outdated ideas about sexuality and gender. Many have pointed out that attempts to "pray away the gay" have been widely discredited by medical and mental health professionals.

"It's incredibly irresponsible to suggest that being LGBTQ+ is something that can be cured or prayed away," said Sarah Johnson, a spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign. "People deserve to be loved and accepted for who they are, not shamed and stigmatized for their sexual orientation or gender identity."

Despite the backlash, the Coalition for Traditional Values insists that their campaign is motivated by love and concern for LGBTQ+ individuals. They are encouraging Christians to hold prayer vigils and to reach out to their LGBTQ+ friends and family members.

"We are not trying to hurt anyone," said White. "We simply believe that homosexuality is a sin, and that people can be redeemed through faith in Jesus Christ."

The group's campaign has also drawn criticism from some conservative Christians, who argue that it is unhelpful and insensitive. Many have pointed out that LGBTQ+ people have faced discrimination and persecution throughout history, and that prayer alone is unlikely to change their sexual orientation or gender identity.

"I think it's important to respect people's choices and identities," said Pastor John Matthews, of the First Baptist Church in Houston. "We need to show love and compassion to everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. That's what Jesus taught us."

The Coalition for Traditional Values has vowed to continue their campaign, despite the criticism. They argue that their message is more important than ever, as the LGBTQ+ rights movement continues to gain momentum.

"We know that this is a controversial issue, but we believe that we are on the right side of history," said White. "We will continue to pray for the salvation and deliverance of LGBTQ+ people, and we hope that others will join us in this important work."