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I am outraged, sickened and disgusted.
On October 7, 2011 Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays (PFOX) President Greg Quinlan was interviewed on News-Plus with Mark Segraves (WDCW-TV). Throughout the show, Quinlan distorts reality and flat out lies on many subjects. However, at the 10:38 mark he commits slander. According to Quinlan:
“Truth Wins Out if you look further, including Wayne Besen. He’s asked for people, you know, somebody needs to run Greg over. He needs to be hit with a bus. Somebody should inject him with AIDS. Those are the things that Wayne Besen and Truth WIns Out says about me. That’s pretty hateful rhetoric.”
Unfortunately for Quinlan nothing he said about me or Truth Wins Out is true or accurate. What he said was outright libel and a complete fabrication that he invented out of thin air. It speaks to Quinlan’s character that he lies so easily and simply makes things up. As for me, I’d be more than happy to take a lie detector test or a NoLie MRI to prove that I’ve never said such vile words. Will Quinlan also take these tests to prove the “veracity” of his calumny?
Truth Wins Out is exploring its legal options. Do our readers think that we should sue PFOX and Quinlan for libel and defamation?
[h/t Ex-Gay Watch]
Do it, absolutely.
The website is “Truth Wins Out”, not “Truth Sits This One Out”.
I have already contacted a lawyer. What Quinlan did was disgusting, immoral, dishonest, sleazy, and unconscionable. It must not stand unanswered.
Im sure you will be prepared for the slew of “evil homosexual plot to bankrupt Pfox by bringing nuisance lawsuit, against fine upstanding christian organization, hates Jesus’ guts”
Do it and if PFOX tries to play the victim, introduce that fact that the organization makes it a point to lie, i.e. Francis Collins and Mike Remafedi.
At the very least, publicize this man’s lies!
sue the hell out of him, please. These people need to learn the difference between the right of free speech and the consequences of defamation of character.
I would say, “don’t lower yourselves to their level,” but I think the phrase “inject him with AIDS” is far-fetched. If anything, they’re the ones who say those kinds of things about us.
Sue pants off those the b******s.
Only snakes and schizophrenics say things that aren’t true like that. The difference is a snake does it because they’re a slimy beast and a schizophrenic is just confused. Now to figure out which our dear friend here is… That might be difficult… Should go after them though yep.
I would think that not only should you win a libel case, but I imagine Quinlan would have to pay legal costs in which case I’d definitely do it.
Take him to court. These people p**s themselves at the thout of a public forum where everyone isn’t on their side
Sue. Their. Asses.
‘Nuff said.
I have to disagree.
Never mud wrestle with a pig. You only get dirty, and the pig loves it.
DO IT. Hit ‘em where it hurts — the pocketbook.
Plus, this is a pretty clear-cut case of libel/slander (whichever one applies to the written word).
It would be a clear win in TWO’s favor. Everyone can see that we are not as petty and barbaric as PFOX. They are not even trying to hide their projection anymore.
Playing nice with these people does not work. The ex-gay movement always suffers its greatest setbacks when their vile words are held up to pupblic scrutiny- a la Richard Cohen on the news whacking pillows and cuddling men or Narth’s Berger and Schoenewolf debacles. This could be that moment for PFOX.
Wayne, I’m not particularly litigious but I think, if you can stomach the hassle, it probably would be the most effective way to silence these trolls.
Problem is, the second you do it he starts crying that you’re trying to bully him into silence and he comes out the winner. Were it me, I’d try to get on TV with him and embarrass him that way.
Guys I am so so so so sorry you have to endure such vile hateful stupidity as this. Remember your cause is right and eventually you will win this fight! Hopefully sooner rather than later! I’ve been the topic of hateful comments (not like that, though, that’s more than just disgusting!) and I know how words can hurt. You have more than just yourselves to consider when you think of a lawsuit, so I can’t advise on that, but just wanted to let you know you have my hopes for a positive outcome–no matter what you decide.
I lost a very dear friend to AIDS in 1993 and I can’t believe anyone would wish that on another person. I don’t know you, but I’m in tears over this for you. Good luck!!
Tearful in NC….
Well, I must say that I’m shocked – absolutely flabbergasted in fact. The president of an “ex-gay” organization lying and actually slandering? Who would ever have expected it?
Do it Wayne! Destroy the lying turd!
@ Eli
I think you may be being unfair to snakes. I have a pet Corn Snake and he is lovely and friendly and certainly not slimy, and he is also a much more noble creature than Greg Quinlan. :)
In legal terms, isn’t this ‘slander’ not libel?
Go for it but make it clear that any punitive damages will go to a charity unconnected with any of the parties. Anything else would be to hand them the martyr victory they look for.
This man’s behavior was criminal, and his actions are just a more subtle form of gay bashing. We have libel and slander laws for a reason. Use them.
I agree with Trey M (# 22). I’m not a “sue crazy” citizen but this was criminal! I say go for it!
I’ve been reading this site for a LONG time and I have never heard Wayne (nor Evan) ever make such threatening and hateful remarks about anyone. Not only are they not that mean-spirited, they are also not stupid enough to say such things in a public forum. I say SUE their asses off. They’ve done enough damage to the lgbt community.
No, don’t sue. If you have $ to pay for a lawyer you have $ to help people in need. That’s more important. Give to your local LGBT charity, help kids, help single moms, help recovering addicts. But don’t give wing nuts any publicity over this. Lying is what they do.
SUE — it is pure and simple slander.
You will win and they will have to tone down their terrorist propoganda.
Tone you may not agree but to sue this guy IS helping people. LEGAL threats and laws are the only way to control the criminally insane.
Yes. Sue. Expose the lies. You have our support.
I think you should sue, but only because if you don’t, people will assume that Greg Quinlan is telling the truth. You need to defend yourself against their lies.
Another thought, if you don’t sue and he thinks he can get away with this, what kind of other lies will he be emboldened to tell?
If it can be won under current statues regarding libel, go for it. Hitting some people in the pocket is the only thing that gets their attention.
wayne, if you have any doubt that you should sue these people, then think on it this way.
You have chosen to be a vocal representative of LGBT rights and a fighter against discrimination. If you fail to fight malicious claims like this what does that tell those that read your columns or visit your debates?
I think you have a moral obligation to sue. One reason anti-gay rhetoric escalates and carries over into deranged fantasy is because there is no deterrent to cause the perpetrators to think twice. If Quinlan can simply make things up and suffer no penalty, then he will continue to do so. This time, Besen was encouraging others to kill. Next time, Besen might be cast in the role of an actual killer. Give it a few years and not only Besen, but all radical gays will be recruiting middle schoolers to form an army of radical gay killers.
Unless there is some brake on the lying, it can escalate to any degree. We see in Uganda what comes of that. So, Wayne, you absolutely can and should sue. You should sue both PFOX and Quinlan individually. And you should not settle the case for anything less than 1) payment of your attorneys fees, 2) a very clear retraction and apology – written and videotaped and prominently displayed on the homepage of PFOX for a period of years, and 3) a statement/video by you to be placed prominently on the
PFOX homepage.
YES. Sue. I don’t see how you have any real choice NOT to sue. If you don’t all the things you have written with brilliance and passion about how we must come out, and stand up for ourselves, will rign hollow.
And, hell, this sad closet case brought it on himself after all.
And I STRONGLY, STRONGLY concur with Dan (POST 33) about what we should demand when you win.
Yes you should sue him! As several others have stated, one of the reasons these fools believe they can say anything they want, boldly lie and say the most despicable things is that, so far, none of them have felt any real consequences to their action/words. Sue him; sue PFOX. Sue anyone who ever repeats his slander as if it’s true. Teach them that they really can’t just make up such nonsense and get away with it.
Anyone else would sue him for libel and defamation.
I would suggest Wayne do the same.
They can only treat us as less than human if we allow them to.
Purchase an arrest record report, available online. I would not be surprised to see Quinlan had been arrested in some park, restroom, truck stop, etc.
Also, put up current and older pics of him in every gay establishment you can. Ask if anyone has seen this enemy of gay people and/or had sex with him.
Make sure to post your request on every gay escort site. That’s where George Rekers went when he did not dare show his face in a gay bar.
FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS SANE, YES!!
I would sue ONLY IF the lawsuit was part of a larger legal strategy because it is not clear if suing in this one case would remedy anything specific, given that you do not have quantifiable losses, directly due to the defamation. A larger legal strategy would include a proper press and media handling strategy to maximize the gain beyond what any court could give you.
SUE HIM!
Hey Wayne, Quinlin on his Facebook page says “he highly doubts you will sue”…..
Sue!
I have consulted with three attorneys in 24 hours. My intent is to sue. What Quinlan said was outrageous, slimey, and a whopper of a lie. He best update his Facebook page and consult an attorney.
[...] of felonious behavior demands proof, and Besen rightly demands that Quinlan produces it. Besen also adds that he is exploring his legal [...]
I have not been to this website in quite some time and was directed to this controversy from another LGBT blog I read. I would say sue, as think of how much darned “fun” the legal Discovery process will be. There is much more there most likley and they can’t hid it under the legal discovery process. Of course that leaves yourself open to the same Discovery Process but I have no doubt you are clean as a whistle. If you won’t sue over this slander, than what does it take, FOR you to seek legal redress? This is not a slander against only you, this is a slander against all advocates for sexual minorities. I would think GLAAD Gays and Lesbians Alliance Against Defamation would be an excellent resource for you.
I’m clearly outvoted. Litigate away Wayne, and I hope you take the fillings out of his teeth.
Up to this point, the fanatics have mostly been accusing the LGBT community’s “hateful, anti-family” campaign. It would be impossible for the entire LGBT community to sue them. But Quinlan has now targeted a specific individual whose record of exposing their lies, hate and hypocrisy is impeccable. It reminds me of Hitler’s Nazis many years ago.
By all means, Wayne, sue him and make him produce the “evidence” of his allegations.
Jerry
[...] Really? Besen has said some critical and dismissive things about ex-gays but I’ve never heard anything like that. Quinlan may soon have to provide proof of that since Besen absolutely denies the charges and may sue for defamation. [...]
Greg Quinlan is a liar. he was never beaten by his father. Greg is a evil always has been. he craves attention and will bum off of anyone. he was throw out of the church in Ohio. His family would very much like to see him stopped. So please sue. His family had to contact CBN and have that video removed as consent was not given by anyone to use names or pictures. if it is in your power to stop him then do it
tlg:
If you have any information on Quinlan please contact me.
wbesen@truthwinsout.org