This weekend a group of men will gather at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary to how learn to throw a spiral, make a three-point shot and hit a long ball — and to resist homosexual urges.

Courage, a Catholic group that encourages people with same-sex attraction to remain celibate, is holding its 13th annual sports camp in which “men physically compete on the field while enriching their souls through a daily regimen of prayer, confessions, mass, and the Liturgy of the Hours,” according to the group’s website.

The Courage mission statement states: “By developing an interior life of chastity, which is the universal call to all Christians, one can move beyond the confines of the homosexual identity to a more complete one in Christ.” Sports is an ideal vehicle for such a mission since no athlete can possibly be gay. Or so says a conversion therapist quoted by the Daily News:

Some of that rejection, at least for men, can be linked to failure at sports, the group maintains. Robert Fitzgibbons, a therapist who runs the Marital Institute and has written extensively about what he calls healing homosexual attraction, said in an article on the Catholic Education Resource Center that boys who are rejected because they can’t play sports “begin to identify with the female instead of the male.”

At the root of the problem, he contends, is poor eye-hand coordination. Fitzgibbons spoke at a 2006 sports camp in St. Louis.

“Poor eye-hand coordination?” That must be why Billy Bean only lasted nine years in the majors. One man, Robert, who attended a previous camp, told how he was helped by his weekend with the guys:

“It felt so true and good to see myself as a peer and competitor to the other men instead of believing that I didn’t belong with the other members of my own sex,” he wrote. “Instead of feeling intimidated or repulsed by the physical contact, I liked it … One time a teammate gave me a sweaty celebratory hug. He was humbly secure in himself, just as he was, selflessly and joyfully showing affection to others. I also liked when one man, whom I’d felt intimated by, gave me a pat on my belly, meaning “way to go!” His touch made me feel accepted as one of the guys.”

Robert probably still dreams daily about that “physical contact,” “celebratory hug” and “pat on the belly.”

I am supposed to be outraged by this but this is way too absurd to even take seriously. But I also feel sorry for men who torment themselves by going through this kind of garbage (with all the inner anguish)  instead of just accepting who they are. If they really want to play sports with men just like them, Philadelphia has great gay flag football and softball leagues and an amazing swim club, among others.

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But I wasn’t expecting the Bible-thumpers to come out in force over a story about NFL running back Ahman Green having a gay brother and lesbian sister. There was nothing in the article about religion, yet the majority of comments are about what’s in or what’s not in the Bible about homosexuality.

“Do you think God wants us to not tell others what He says about a particular sin?” read one comment. “It is the duty of Christians to love the sinner by showing him his error.” This “the Bible is the word of God” type got strangely silent when it was pointed out all the things the book once endorsed, such as slavery and killing children who curse their parents. His lame rejoinder was that he was an “imperfect Christian.” Translated, that means the Bible is 100% right about homosexuality being an “abomination,” but he will conveniently ignore all the other stuff written 2,000 years ago that is no longer acceptable.

Equally strange was the religious bent the comments took after a story that urged the International Olympic Committee to ban countries who criminalize homosexuality from the Olympics. There was nothing in the story about religion, but that didn’t stop someone calling himself “Rev. Donald Spitz” from writing: “Homosexuality should be criminalized. Homosexuals commit crimes against God, against nature, against the Holy Bible and against the human race.” Ugh, here we go again.

It usually takes just one anti-gay religious bigot to get the ball rolling. Our readers see Outsports as a safe haven and don’t take kindly to people coming on and telling us we’re all going to hell. There is something about true believers who think they can sway you to their side by quoting Scripture, since to them that’s the be-all and end-all of their belief system. They have no problem coming on a gay website hoping to make converts; I don’t see the reverse happening (it’s not worth the effort). It’s also noteworthy that these are always Christians who post these kinds of comments, never anyone from another faith.

An article on the anti-same sex marriage comments by boxer Manny Pacquiao brought the fundies out in full force once it was linked by several Filipino websites (Pacquiao is a hero in his native Philippines). This led to some rather humorous comments, such as the one that said marriage was “trademarked,” and another that went: “If you are born with male organs, that means you act like a man. … Read your Bible folks… look at what happened to Sodom and Gomora…. If you don’t wanna be roasted in hell, stop that gay disease feeling before it’s too late!!!”

At least the Pacquiao article dealt in part with religion, as did our numerous stories about Nebraska assistant football coach Ron Brown and his crusade against gay rights based on his interpretation of the Bible. In the Brown case, religion was central to the story.

What was most surprising, though, was the reaction to the story that said Brown must support slavery because that is the case in both the Old and New Testament. There was  not a single comment by a religious fundamentalist, probably because they would have to tie themselves in knots explaining why the Bible is right on hating gays, but wrong on endorsing slavery. Logic doesn’t work well with these people, but at least they are  supporting Outsports by giving us page views.

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When people think about countries like Jamaica, Kenya and Ethiopia at the Olympics, they think about the incredible runners, like Usain Bolt. They don’t think about what would happen if Bolt were gay. They don’t think about the fact that he would face a ten year prison sentence for having consensual sex with an adult man. That being open about his sexual identity would be dangerous, not only because it is illegal but because the levels of homophobic violence in Jamaica are so catastrophically high. In the Maldives and Qatar homosexual acts are punished by whipping. Only ten countries recognize marriage equality.

Stephens points out that the Iranian team will be welcome in London, while at the same time a court there sentenced four gay men to hang for sodomy. He also urged gay athletes to come out, if they can.

You are the only ones who have the glare of attention that can be used to effect real change. If you feel safe to do so, come out and make a visible, memorable, courageous gesture for LGBT rights. Show that you are proud to be LGBT. …

To the LGBT athletes who don’t feel safe – and there must be many of you. I invite you to apply for asylum in this country on the grounds that you will face persecution at home if you are open about your sexual identity. Our supreme court has recognized … that a person cannot be asked to conceal their true sexual identity in order to avoid persecution. … LGBT athletes from the 84 criminalizing jurisdictions should use this case to apply for asylum in the UK when they arrive for the Games in July.

I agree with everything he wrote, but won’t hold my breath waiting for the International Olympic Committee to act on behalf of gay rights. There is too much money and too much politics involved for this to rise to the top as an issue. Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Brunei have never allowed women to compete as Olympians, and they still enjoy full participation.

LGBT athletes, though, should come out in London if it would be safe for them. Matthew Mitcham has shown that you can compete at a high level and be openly gay. London is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world, and any out LGBT athlete would be embraced.

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What matters to me and my teammates? A player with a hard slap shot. A player with awesome puck-handling skills. A player who can shoot. A guy who can help our team win … You know what doesn’t matter to me? If a player is straight or gay. Sports should be open to anyone who loves the game and will play hard … My teammates are my friends and we’re all playing to win. I’m Brooks Orpik. If you can play, you can play.”

Orpik spoke to Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about the video and said he has heard nothing but positives since it was released this weekend. “If I do hear anything negative, it’ll probably be from people who have a problem with themselves and don’t like who they are,” he said.

Orpik said he has never played with a teammate he knew was gay. “But I think we as players are being completely naïve and kidding ourselves if we don’t think we’ve had a gay teammate. Look at the percentages of adult males who are gay. We’ve probably had a lot more than one gay teammate.”

Orpik said he thinks most — but not all — players would accept a gay player in the room. “I would assume a player the guys knew and had a friendship with, that wouldn’t change it. But a new guy coming in? I don’t know. I’m not saying that’s right or the way it should be. But in the current environment, I think it might be hard for that player. That’s just my opinion.”

Photo by Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

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Since I came out as a lesbian my junior year at boarding school, I have never witnessed a premeditated hate crime. But that does not mean it has been easy. I am now a sophomore at Amherst College, an elite liberal arts school with what’s advertised as an open-minded student body. When I started at Amherst, I was confident and ready to be out in a new community.

However, upon my arrival, girls told me I was too pretty to be gay. Guys told me I was too hot to be a dyke, or that they would turn me straight. I discovered I was one of the only out varsity athletes at Amherst, and felt isolated. I was bullied by a teammate for my sexuality but did not feel I could speak out. Closeted athletes told me their secrets and then ignored me or talked behind my back. Although much of the homophobia I’ve witnessed at Amherst is often indirect, or even meant to be complimentary to me, it still stings with ignorance. I’ve often wondered: If it is this hard to be an LGBT athlete at Amherst College, what is it like at other campuses around the country?

Now she knows: It’s hit-and-miss. She said various students at Bryant apologized for the apparent homophobia at their school. But others felt so compelled against gay athletes that they would make Bryant the first school ever to have Sheng’s exhibit attacked.

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Pacquiao, bearing a conservative stance on the Reproductive Bill which is still pending in the Philippine Congress for approval even after contemptuous debates, believes the sweeping campaign of Obama favoring the gays and lesbians to legally marry is nothing more than a direct attack on the moral society and against the creative power and will of God.

Pacquiao continues: “God only expects man and woman to be together and to be legally married, only if they so are in love with each other.”

“It should not be of the same sex so as to adulterate the altar of matrimony, like in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah of Old.”

PHOTO: Manny Pacquiao at a press conference at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

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CM Punk tweeted: “Same sex marriage should be legal. The fact that it’s illegal is embarrassing.”

Twitter follower EzeeKay of Walsall in the West Midlands disagreed, writing: “Man was meant for woman, and even the thought of homo’s make me sick.”

Punk retweeted this message and added “Kill yourself” in response.

The wrestler then apologized, saying his emotions got the best of him. He also had told another anti-gay tweeter to “drink bleach.” His apology tweet:

“I apologize. I don’t want you to kill yourself. I want you to better yourself. Just as I want to better myself.”

Punk, whose real name is Philip Brooks, posted these tweets later:

Any gay person, myself included, can totally understand the anger Punk felt, since we’ve all been there with homophobes. But his apology was appropriate since it made him look the better man. People also need to pause 30 seconds before posting a tweet, since once sent, it can’t be taken back and we see this kind of stuff all the time.

Hat tip to Queerty.

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“Everything inside of me wants to go to the hearing and be part of any type of issue such as this, if work permits me to do it,” Brown told the Journal Star.

Brown has been vocal about his opposition to non-discrimination policies in Omaha and Lincoln. He said during a hearing in Omaha that by protecting gay people from discrimination, the city would be “unprotecting” Christians. Despite his vehement opposition to protections for gay people, Brown wrote a letter to the Lincoln Journal Star claiming he supports the university’s non-discrimination policy:

I wholeheartedly agree with UNL’s Non-Discrimination Policy. As a follower of Jesus Christ, and a UNL employee for twenty-two years, I haven’t, nor will I violate this policy.

In 1979 I realized Christ’s death and resurrection freed me from the many sins I am guilty of. I received Christ’s forgiveness then and the Bible became my source of truth for every phase of life. God offers His grace to all of us. WOW!

Not all of my players have agreed with the Bible’s views. One example, of many, would be those choosing heterosexual sex outside of marriage. Though the Bible teaches this as sin, I haven’t penalized them with playing time or discrimination of any sort. Because I love them, I’ve invested in them even outside of football and gently asked them to consider God’s view on it.

If I coached a gay player, because the Bible says homosexuality is a sin, I would do the same. If he didn’t agree, I wouldn’t penalize him with playing time or any form of discrimination.

I have and will embrace every player I coach, gay or straight … but I won’t embrace a legal policy that supports a lifestyle that God calls sin.

– Ron Brown, private citizen of Nebraska

Unfortunately, Brown and the University of Nebraska still don’t get it. The school’s non-discrimination policy isn’t just about playing time, it’s about the environment fostered:

One aspect of this commitment is to foster a climate of inclusion and mutual support that will enhance our ability to achieve our overall goals…

Brown’s actions and his speech, likening gay people to criminals and advocating for their discrimination, are miles away from upholding that part of the policy. And despite saying over and over that he’s a private citizen (after saying on the record that his residence was Nebraska’s football stadium), he simply cannot separate his public language from his job, as Rick Reilly brilliantly points out:

Brown, 55, speaks out often about Christ and against homosexuality, which is his First Amendment right. But Ron Brown wouldn’t get one-tenth of these offers to speak if he weren’t a Huskers coach. He’s an in-state celebrity. He admits he uses Huskers football as a platform to get his message out. His personal opinions can’t be separated from his job. There are three paragraphs in the Nebraska media guide about his Christian work. At the Omaha public hearing, he gave his address as Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium.

The University, AD Tom Osbourne and head football coach Bo Pellini continue to support Brown in his crusade against the LGBT community. Help voice opposition to his war for discrimination by signing this change.org petition.

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The Baptist Press reminds its readers that gay people suffer from an unhealthy “psychiatric disease” and “experience greater levels of addiction, depression and diseases”:

Brown is more concerned with faithfulness to Scripture than cultural trends. The Scriptures are clear that homosexual behavior is sinful (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Romans 1:26-27). “The same thing that was a sin 2,000 years ago is a sin today,” Brown has said. “The thing that was right 2,000 years ago is right today.”

Blair Kerkhoff of the Kansas City Star talks about Brown’s hateful diatribes about gay people, along with his more positive messages, and concluded:

What Brown said to the Omaha council — and may say Monday when the Lincoln City Council holds a public hearing on a similar anti-discrimination policy — is different speech, and the bottom line for me is in that difference. One lifts spirits, the other hurts and shouldn’t be tolerated a public university.

Omaha World-Herald columnist Tom Shatel echoed what I said weeks ago: The University of Nebraska is giving Brown the license to attack LGBT athletes.

Nebraska has taken him, except when Steve Pederson/Bill Callahan cut him loose. Brown was hired back by Bo Pelini in 2008 and everyone at NU knew the package that came with Brown. And that’s the important thing to know here: whatever you think Brown is today, Nebraska helped create that over the years. By standing by him. By tolerating his opinions. By granting him the freedom to be Ron Brown, citizen.

Gene Wojciechowski of ESPN.com broke it down beautifully:

Whether he realizes it or not, Brown’s supposed private stance has public — and Nebraska football — implications. His beliefs find their way back to his players and the message is this: I’ve got your back — as long as you’re not gay.

We’ll see what happens Monday…

You can sign Athlete Ally’s Change.org petition asking for the removal of Brown as football coach.

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“We’ve communicated to the UFC our displeasure with certain remarks made by some of its fighters, and they have promised to address this. If the incidents continue, we will act,” the brewer said in a statement. A-B, which did not elaborate on potential actions, also stated that it “embraces diversity and does not condone insensitive and derogatory comments rooted in ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, etc.”

UFC told Ad Age they oppose inappropriate comments and that the actions of their fighters don’t reflect the values of the company. But aren’t the fighters a huge part of the company?

You can find Ad Age‘s entire report here. It’s a good read.

PHOTO: Apr 21, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Matt Brown (left) fights Stephen Thompson in a welterweight bout during UFC 145 at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell-US PRESSWIRE

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