In drawing attention to the human suffering behind the poor health data of the gay community, Australian Christian Lobby managing director Jim Wallace might reflect on the part organisations such as his play in that suffering.
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Setting aside any consideration of same-sex marriage, it is clear many homosexual people, not least Christians of that orientation, are seriously troubled by frequent challenges against them. In his recent remarks which led Prime Minister Julia Gillard to withdraw from the lobby's annual conference to be held in Canberra from October 5, Wallace cited the high rates of depression, suicide and drug use by homosexuals. ''In the very few countries which have redefined marriage, this has not improved gay health or caused the suicide rate to drop,'' Wallace says on the lobby's website.
In which case it is reasonable to ponder the reason or reasons for what Wallace correctly calls these tragic rates. It seems fair to speculate that the pressure endured by many gay people includes fear of being recognised as gay and the subsequent opprobrium which attaches to that discovery. In some environments there is a genuine risk of physical violence to people identified as gay. And in the religious environment there can be enormous emotional and psychological pressure to renounce homosexuality. There are even references in some religious groups to being healed of the condition.
A gay Catholic told me many years ago of his seeking the service of a prostitute to see if that would clarify his sexuality. I forget if he was amused or confused when she asked if he minded if she turned on the radio so she could listen to Billy Graham's Hour of Decision.
My friend remains Catholic and gay. He once told me no one, particularly a Christian, would choose to be gay.
The same, it seems, applies to AFL footballers, none of whom have identified as being gay.
Yarra Valley footballer Jason Ball last week spoke of his fear of being identified by other players as gay. But when recognising he was gay, his teammates had supported him. However, clearly the hurt from his school days remains.
''At high school I got picked on for being gay and those words were used to make me feel small and worthless.''
Beyondblue chairman Jeff Kennett recently launched a campaign highlighting the mental health impact of homophobia. While it might be unfair to accuse Wallace and his ilk of homophobia, it is reasonable to urge greater understanding, not least of gay Christians.
