Outside of the protective bubble surrounding religion, there are legal remedies to other consumer fraud. Even beyond the ex-gay fraud I believe that fraud is a part of the foundation of organized religions and their promotional activities, and would like to see some exploration of legal avenues to address it.

The marketers of regular consumer products are limited by law in the claims they are allowed to make. When religious marketers claim that a potential customer will burn in Hell for eternity if they don’t buy their product, why shouldn’t these marketers be required to provide proof that could stand up in a court of law? And if they cannot provide proof, require that disclaimers be placed in their marketing materials – somewhat like the warnings required of tobacco companies. Perhaps something like this: “While we sincerely believe that Hell exists, there is absolutely no credible evidence for the existence of such a place.”

Could Exorcism International be dealt with using some form of legal action? Although I would prefer to see them put out of business due to a declining customer base.

I suppose all this sounds rather nutty, but I think the fact that we have all grown up surrounded by religion’s enjoyment of special rights and immunities makes it difficult to view religion more objectively.

And, as an aside, it is always fascinating to watch religious groups zealously guarding their own special rights and immunities, while they gleefully seek to deny basic civil rights to people they don’t like. And requiring a level of proof for the claims of others that they never require of themselves.

When I researched my book, Anything But Straight, I forgot to look at the Fortune cookies and horoscopes as a source of Exodus’ information. But, I think you are onto something. And, of course, cartoons like the Teletubies and Sponge Bob are where these folks get their “information” too.

I beleive that ex-gay ministries are consumer fraud – and I think your post certainly backs up this assertion. Pastors would be wise to steer clear of Exodus.