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California Family Minute - March 12, 2010

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Life • Marriage • Parental Authority

Grace and Mercy on a Soul

By Ron Prentice
March 12, 2010

California State Senator Roy Ashburn (R-Bakersfield) this week announced that he is homosexual.  A 55-year-old divorced father of four, Ashburn was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence early Wednesday morning, March 3, after leaving a downtown Sacramento “gay” nightclub.  The attention brought by the media has led the senator to make public his sexual orientation.

“I am gay. . . those are the words that have been so difficult for me for so long,” said Ashburn in his interview on KERN radio.  He added that he is drawing on his Christian faith, and requested the prayers of others. 

Since the news of his arrest, the media and leaders of homosexual organizations have called Senator Ashburn a hypocrite due to his voting record against expanded rights for homosexuals. An L.A. Times opinion writer suggests that Ashburn’s votes may have been motivated more by his own “homophobia” than his desire to represent the conservative majority of his senate district.  Equality California’s executive director Geoffrey Kors declared, “It is unfortunate [Ashburn] helped spread the bigotry that forced him to stay in the closet.”

Senator Ashburn has, no doubt, struggled against his same-sex attraction for many years, perhaps even prior to his marriage and fathering of the children he dearly loves.  It speaks of the power of same-sex attraction that Ashburn could not simply choose to think differently, as he must have prayed dozens if not hundreds of times. If you were to ask a homosexual or former homosexual, the vast majority will say that their same-sex attraction was not a “choice” and they would never have chosen the struggle.

Although there is no valid research suggesting that same-sex attraction is genetically-based, the compulsion can begin at such an early age that a person truly believes they were “born gay.”  In fact, although many people desperately desire to rid themselves of same-sex attraction, only a part of that population has been successful in the progressive work toward opposite-sex attraction.  Still, honoring God, many homosexuals remain faithful in their traditional marriages, or celibate in their singleness.  Many are in your church’s pews.

Of course, California Family Council is committed to a biblical worldview, which includes extending grace to all people while also holding to God’s design for sexuality. CFC asks that you would remember to pray for Senator Ashburn and his family.

Finally, the fact that Ashburn – as a homosexual – voted against the legalization of same-sex marriage does not suggest bigotry or homophobia.  The issue is whether man-woman marriage serves the common good of children and society, and virtually all research affirms that it does.  California Family Council thanks Senator Ashburn for his commitment to the institution that is the cornerstone of civilization. 

Ron Prentice is a licensed marriage and family therapist and is the Chief Executive Officer of California Family Council. Ron also served as the Chairman of the ProtectMarriage.com – Yes on 8 executive committee.




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