Christians plan a 'day of truth'
Group claims Day of Silence today promotes a gay agenda
Today's Day of Silence will be followed next week by a Day of Truth as students seek to showcase their causes: the bullying of gay students and bias against Christians.
The fourth annual Day of Truth on Monday is a nationwide observance organized by the Alliance Defense Fund, an Arizonabased Christian group. Other major sponsors include Colorado Springsbased Focus on the Family.
The Day of Truth was founded as a response to the Day of Silence, a protest against the mistreatment of gays. Critics say the Day of Silence promotes the "homosexual agenda," sometimes to the detriment of students who hold other views.
"What we're concerned about is that events like these actually end up promoting homosexuality in public schools, and that actually creates a hostile climate for students of faith," said Candi Cushman, an education analyst for Focus on the Family.
More than 7,000 students nationwide participated in the Day of Truth observance last year, according to the event Web site.
Some of the schools where students will participate in the Pikes Peak region include Liberty High School, Sand Creek High School and Prairie Hills Elementary School, Cushman said.
Students participating in Day of Truth will wear T-shirts and pass out cards that read: "I am speaking the truth to break the silence. True tolerance means that people with differing - even opposing - viewpoints can freely exchange ideas and respectfully listen to each other. It's time for an honest conversation about homosexuality. There's freedom to change if you want to. Let's talk."
Participants believe people who want to can change their sexual orientation.
Students participating in the Day of Silence won't speak except to school employees. They'll distribute cards denouncing "harassment, prejudice and discrimination" against gay, bisexual and transgender people.
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DAY OF SILENCE RALLY TODAY
Supporters of the National Day of Silence will hold a rally starting at 7 p.m. today at the steps of City Hall in Colorado Springs, 107 N. Nevada Ave. The event is sponsored by the Colorado Springs Gay and Lesbian Community Center. It's intended to honor people who have faced discrimination and violence because of their sexual orientation.
