Christian students in more than 300 high schools across America will participate in the "Day of Truth" on 14th April – a Christian counterpart to the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network’s "Day of Silence."
"The Day of Truth is an opportunity for Christian students to counter the promotion of the homosexual agenda at schools across America," said Joseph Infranco, Senior Counsel at the Alliance Defence Fund, which is sponsoring the event. "The Day of Truth, held after the Day of Silence, encourages respectful debate rather than silence."
Alan Sears, president and CEO of the ADF, pointed out that "The Day of Truth is not a disruptive day of silence."
"The Day of Truth is intended to speak the truth in a manner that is respectful and non-disruptive. By participating, students express their desire to show compassion for those who are targets of misleading campaigns by groups that promote homosexual behaviour often without being fully honest about its consequences," said Sears.
The Day of Truth was established to "counter the promotion of the homosexual agenda and expresses an opposing viewpoint from a Christian perspective," according to ADF. The event purposely comes at the heels of the April 13th Day of Silence – a day where students vow silence to "recognise and protest the discrimination and harassment" against gays and lesbians, according to GLSEN.
Both events are student run, organised and supported.
According to an online survey by the Detroit News, the majority of respondents supported the Day of Truth over the Day of Silence. The survey found that 65 percent would stand behind the Day of Truth as opposed to the 19 percent who said they support the Day of Silence.
Students participating in this event will wear "Day of Truth" T-shirts and/or pass out cards during school hours, but outside of class time, with the following message:
I am speaking the Truth to break the silence. I believe in equal treatment for all, and not special rights for a few. I believe in loving my neighbour, but part of that love means not condoning detrimental personal and social behaviour. I believe that by boldly proclaiming the Truth, hurts will be halted, hearts will be healed, and lives will be saved.
Pauline J. Chang
Ecumenical Press
