The Christian-based group Focus on the Family is criticizing gay-inclusive anti-bullying programs in the public schools as gay activism in disguise.

The group's Candi Cushman told the Denver Post that such programs conceal their true purpose. According to Cushman, anti-bullying programs have been hijacked by gay rights groups in an effort to impose their viewpoints on children.

"We feel more and more that activists are being deceptive in using anti-bullying rhetoric to introduce their viewpoints, while the views of Christian students and parents are increasingly belittled," she said.

The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) is the nation's largest such group. It was founded by Kevin Jennings to address the issue of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the public school system. Jennings' appointment as assistant deputy secretary for the Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools by the Obama administration has been decried by social conservatives.

GLSEN is current helmed by Eliza Byard, who told the paper, "Yes, we want LGBT students afforded full respect."

"Bullying is a serious public health crisis in this country, according to no less an authority than the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services."

According to a 2007 GLSEN survey, 9 out of 10 lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender students experience harassment.

Focus is criticizing GLSEN's 24-page booklet Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation and Youth, which is being distributed to all 16,000 U.S. public school superintendents.

"The theme: Schools are only allowed to provide one message about homosexuality – that it's normal and should be embraced," Focus literature says. "The publication ends with a warning: 'Schools should be careful to avoid discussions of transformational ministry in their curriculum.'"

Focus on the Family continues to be attached to its former "ex-gay" conference Love Won Out. Last year, Exodus International, whose motto is "Freedom from homosexuality though the power of Jesus Christ," acquired the traveling workshop that attempts to "cure" gay people.

Such therapies have been labeled harmful by the American Psychological Association (APA)