Largest gathering of pro-family leaders in Florida draws homosexual protest

The large gathering of pro-family leaders is also drawing the attention of homosexual leaders who plan to protest outside of the church that is hosting today's event. John Stemberger says that Equality Florida, a homosexual activist group, is calling for members of the homosexual community to show up in Brandon to protest the summit. He says that indicates that they understand the importance of the pro-family event.

"That really gets the attention of the left, and so they're going to be there to basically protest," he says.

Online information about the summit says seminars and workshops will be designed to address critical issues facing families today, including hate crimes legislation, online predators, stem cell research, community decency, and the homosexual agenda. National speakers such as Tony Perkins, Don Wildmon, Alan Chambers from Project Exodus, Gary Bauer, and Katherine Harris will also be present for the sessions.

Stemberger says with a marriage amendment petition and national elections facing voters in the next year, it is important for his group to provide enough information for voters in a state that always seems to be key in national outcomes.

"Not everyone can be a Don Wildmon or a John Stemberger, but everybody can exercise responsible citizenship and steward their citizenship before God in a way that gives him glory and really is best for the common good of society as a whole," says Stemberger.

He says their goal is to equip supporters and Florida citizens with the ability to think clearly about social issues. Stemberger also says a goal of the summit is to encourage supporters to become active citizens and work together in order to take back "our country from this kind of radical social change that is being foisted upon us by a relatively minority people in our country." The Family Impact Summit begins tonight and continues through Saturday.