Parents of 'ex-gay' student threaten lawsuits

[FreeState]

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-13340.html

The parents of a US student who is thought to be in 'ex-gay' therapy have threatened legal action over a website set up to find him, his boyfriend has said.

Bryce Faulkner, 23, is believed to be at an Exodus International ministry in Florida after his parents discovered he was gay.

His friends have said he had no choice as his parents took away his phone, his car and his money.

His boyfriend Trarvis Swanson, 24, and gay rights activist Reverend Brett Harris have set up a website urging people to help find him.

Swanson told PinkNews.co.uk: "Bryce’s parents both called me and left messages threatening lawsuits and have contacted Rev Harris saying the same thing. They said they want removed immediately.

"They have been informed that the only way that will happen is if Bryce tells me face to face alone that he wants it down. Mrs Faulkner assures us that will never happen. We told her in that case the site and movement will continue forward stronger than ever.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Bryce is 23

Unless a judge has declared him mentally incompetent or he signed POA to his parents, he is an adult, and only HE can decide this matter.

[FreeState]

3. In domestically violent relationships one of the first signs of problems is financial

same thing here. The abuser (his parents and their faith) have complete control of his finances and as a result his self esteem. It does not matter how old he is - he is being abused by people who have authority over him.

Just like an abused spouse - it takes on average 7 times of leaving the abuser until a final break - you can not simply say the abused is an adult and can leave. He cant decide the matter because his parents control him through abuse and manipulation.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. But they can't legally file suits in his name

without his consent. Maybe they will coerce him into signing, but they themselves have no legal standing in the matter.

[FreeState]

5. Libel is possible without the sons name - defaming the parents

Im not sure if they could do that without the sons testimony - however if your brainwashed enough you may testify to anything. I think they could file, however its would more than likely be thrown out. It sounds to me like the parents and their preacher are use to intimidating others into getting their way and they are trying there hand at intimidating his friends now. Its all disgusting, I cant even imagine having such hateful parents.

[Toasterlad]

9. So Bryce Is a Legal Slave?

Sorry, while any gay person dealing with intolerance has my complete sympathy, at some point, a person has to take responsibility for his or her own life. Yes, his parents are horrific, domineering assholes, and yes, it will be very difficult for Bryce to wrest control of his life from them, but ultimately, unless he's being physically held against his will, he is in control of his own destiny. To insist that he's helpless is to doom him to perpetual victimhood. It is within his power - as it is within the power of most abused people - to STOP being a victim. I hope he is able to do so.

[FreeState]

10. I never said that

I was giving information I have learned about abusive relationships and the dynamics of it - when someone is abused it is very difficult just to up and leave - especially when its your own family. I never said he could not do that - I said its likely he is not in the mental state to do such at this time due to past abuse that is evident by financial control.

[Toasterlad]

11. No One Said It Would Be Easy

But the fact remains: Bryce will be a victim for as long as he allows himself to be victimized. No one else can save him...he has to save himself.

[cboy4]

2. What's sad is at 23, this kid was obviously completely and hopelessly

dependent on his family for every single thing and therefore didn't apparently have options.

Futhermore, what is the basis of the lawsuit? LOL!

He's an adult, his friends want to help save him from some cult, and they have every right.

[damntexdem]

6. He is an adult -- others have a right to seek him out.

And if he is being held against his will, that is illegal.

[N7255Q]

7. Why hasn't his boyfriend (Trarvis??) rescued him?

Doesn't sound like much of a friend.

[FreeState]

8. How do you rescue someone when you dont know where they are? n/t

[N7255Q]

12. I don't know. I just can't imagine either me or my boyfriend being unable to contact

each other - even jails can't (legally) prevent SOME communication with non-inmates. Is that the story, that he's being held incommunicado somewhere? I find that a little tough to accept but if it's true somebody needs to go Rambo with the bastards.

[Obama2012]

13. Yeah, but there's a big difference between jails and ex-gay camps

The former has laws to adhere to. The latter only theoretically does.

[jeremyfive]

14. How About Ex-Christless-Christian Camps

We can start to reform those people who claim Christianity for themselves but do absolutely nothing that was taught by Jesus Christ.

"Christless Christians" are destroying the Christian religion.

We need intensive camps to drive the devil out of them by whatever means necessary. Shock treatments? If necessary. Waterboarding? Sounds good, after all Christless-Christian George Bush popularized it.

So weeding out these con artists will create conditions whereby the Christian Church can once again take its place as a respectable faith. The nuts have destroyed it, as things stand currently. And nothing whatsover is "Christian" about them.

[Eryemil]

15. Poor bastard. He's an adult though so I don't give a fuck. n|t

[trumanh59639]

16. God I hate the religious right

Stupid bigots.