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Homosexual lifestyle chosen, race not, says UT administrator

A black employee of the University of Toledo (UT) was suspended on Friday after expressing offense at a local newspaper editor's comparison of discrimination against African Americans with discrimination against actively homosexual persons, noting that homosexual behavior is freely chosen in a way race is not, reports Michael Baggot, LifeSiteNews.com.

"I take great umbrage at the notion that those choosing the homosexual lifestyle are 'civil rights victims.' Here's why. I cannot wake up tomorrow and not be a black woman," Associate Vice President of Human Resources Crystal Dixon wrote in a guest piece for the Toledo Free Press.

Dixon noted that, whereas race is genetically determined, the homosexual lifestyle is freely entered into and can be abandoned with proper support.

"I am genetically and biologically a black woman and very pleased to be so as my Creator intended. Daily, thousands of homosexuals make a life decision to leave the gay lifestyle evidenced by the growing population of PFOX (Parents and Friends of Ex Gays) and Exodus International just to name a few."

Dixon added that many actively homosexual individuals have realized "that their choice of same-sex practices wreaked havoc in their psychological and physical lives." Dixon cited the example of Venus Magazine publisher Charlene E. Cothran, a former gay rights activist who abandoned 29 years of active lesbianism after a powerful conversion to Christianity.

Dixon wrote her April 18 "Gay rights and wrongs: another perspective" column in response to an April 6 piece in support of the "gay culture" written by Toledo Free Press Editor-in-Chief Michael S. Miller.

Decrying "the hatred and prejudice" expressed towards members of the "gay community," Miller went on to compare the "gay rights struggle" to "my black friends' struggles and my wheelchair-bound friends' struggles."

Miller insisted that religion was partially to blame for the unfair treatment members of the homosexual community have experienced.

"There are people who are so strongly anti-gay rights, they lust for legislation to limit the gay community's freedoms. That makes no intellectual or moral sense to me. Some of this prejudice is based in religion."

"I find it confusing that people who believe in a savior who opens his arms to everyone think he'll draw those same arms shut to keep gay people away. And do not tell me you are 'tolerant' or 'tolerate' gay people. Stop for a moment and think about how condescending and evil that attitude is."

Dixon responded that Christianity has traditionally recognized both the intrinsic dignity of every human person, as well as the sinfulness of homosexual actions that contradict God's plan for human sexuality.

"First, human beings, regardless of their choices in life, are of ultimate value to God and should be viewed the same by others. At the same time, one's personal choices lead to outcomes either positive or negative."

"It is base human nature to revolt and become indignant when the world or even God Himself, disagrees with our choice that violates His divine order," Dixon added.

Miller himself expressed displeasure over Dixon's punishment.

"The university operates in an atmosphere of idea exchange, and while I recognize the institution's desire to distance itself from her, this is a basic free speech issue and I am disappointed she has been punished for expressing her views."

In a subsequent Toledo Free Press column, UT President Lloyd Jacobs wrote that Dixon's views "do not accord with the values of the University of Toledo."

Jacobs wrote his column to "repudiate much of her [Dixon's] writing." He went on to cite his support, on behalf of UT, for two pieces of legislation developed to "extend to domestic partners a number of rights and privileges."

The president also noted his support for a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning group on campus.

A media spokesman for the president told LifeSiteNews.com that Dixon will remain on paid leave of absence until further notice.

Dixon was unavailable for comment at the time of publication.

[05/08/2008]

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