As noted previously—here and here—the Atlanta Braves became the first major league team to sponsor a so-called “faith day” event. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution described the event as a “blend of big-tent evangelism and the national pastime.”
But as David Zirin pointed out in The Nation last month the events were to be cosponsored by right-wing group Focus on the Family, which, according to their press release, used the event to distribute promotional materials about a website they run called TroubledWith.com, which features virulently anti-gay content:
Male homosexuality is a developmental problem that is almost always the result of problems in family relations, particularly between father and son. [Link]
The following factors can also contribute to the homosexual orientation: pornography; spousal abuse in the home; molestation and pedophilia… [Link]
‘Mom…I’m Gay’: The story of one woman who heard these devastating words. [Link]
While the Braves have not cancelled the remaining “Faith Day” events at Turner Field they have given the boot to Focus on the Family. The Associated Press reports today that:
Focus on the Family, a group founded by James Dobson, was barred from participating in Sunday’s postgame activities after sponsoring the first such event at Turner Field last month.
While the team wouldn’t provide a reason for its decision, several gay rights groups on the Web bristled with speculation that Focus on the Family was given the boot for promoting its belief that homosexuality is a social problem comparable to alcoholism, gambling or depression.
The Braves remain under the curse of the FSM for their collaboration with Focus on the Family and are currently mired in 4th place in the National League East, 17 games behind the evil New York Mets.
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