MIAMI – You haven't seen this at any conference before.  

The founder and chairman of GOProud, the homosexual activist group courting the conservative movement, has agreed to debate its biggest detractor, WND founder Joseph Farah at the "Taking America Back National Conference" here Sept. 17.

WND disinvited Ann Coulter from a keynote speaking role when she agreed to address GOProud's "Homocon" conference a week later, prompting outrage from the pundit and intense media coverage. Farah contended she was "affirming" the group with her high-profile speech and was permitting herself to be exploited by the group, permitting it to make deeper inroads into the conservative movement.

GOProud supports hate-crimes legislation, same-sex marriage, open homosexuality in the military and special tax breaks for people based on sexual proclivities, says Farah. He says there's nothing "conservative" about GOProud's agenda, which he calls "radical."

So it might be something of a shocker that WND agreed to invite GOProud to debate.

"This conference has always been about debate," Farah said. "We invited, among others, the American Civil Liberties Union, La Raza, the NAACP and Freedomworks, to come debate the issues of the day with us. To GOProud's credit, it was willing to stand toe to toe with us. I'm looking forward to the challenge. From my point of view, this represents a much-needed opportunity to expose GOProud's actual goals and agenda."

Farah will debate GOProud Board Chairman Christopher Barron on the topic, "Is GOProud conservative?"

Farah has directly challenged GOProud recently, questioning the "crackup" of establishment conservatives and how the group's agenda jibes.

Still, Farah lauded the group's willingness to accept his challenge to "directly and respectfully air the details of this emerging alliance for all to see."

"I've never compromised or equivocated my convictions on this matter, so GOProud surely knows exactly what it's going to hear from me," said Farah. "How Barron will respond should be illuminating."

To ensure the fairest debate circumstances possible, WND proposed a format affording both Farah and Barron five-minute opening statements, five-minute rebuttals, 20-minute affirmative and negative cross examinations apiece, five-minute closing statements and 30-minutes of audience questions.

The standard agreement included a platform for GOProud to market event tickets – $15 in advance, $20 at the door – to its supporters, keeping revenue derived from its sales. However, GOProud is receiving no payment from WND for the appearance.

Anticipating that critics will lob a "hypocrite" label his way, Farah draws a sharp distinction between his decision to disinvite conservative star commentator Ann Coulter from the Taking America Back Conference for addressing GOProud's 'Homocon' event in New York and inviting Barron to the WND conference to debate GOProud's positions.

"Coulter's paid speaking appearance at GOProud's event serves to validate the group's agenda, which as I've written goes far beyond just tearing down and remaking the Judeo-Christian institution of marriage, attacking free speech with hate-crimes laws or integrating open homosexuality in the military," he said. "With so-called 'conservative' superstars embracing GOProud, a faceoff like this becomes an absolute necessity. If Ann Coulter were going to 'Homocon' to debate and expose GOProud, I would have congratulated her."

Speakers at the conference, which is followed by a weeklong Royal Caribbean cruise called "The Tea Party at Sea," include a variety of elected officials, authors, commentators and entertainers.  The list includes Rep. Michele Bachmann, Ambassador Alan Keyes, Rep. Devin Nunes, Tom Tancredo, authors Jerome Corsi, Aaron Klein and David Kupelian. 

Other speakers include scientist and Bible teacher Chuck Missler; talk-show host Rusty Humphries, Michael Farris of Home School Legal Defense Association; Robert Knight and Jerry Newcombe of Coral Ridge Ministries; William Murray of the Religious Freedom Coalition and son of notorious atheist Madeline Murray O'Hair; RC Sproul, Jr., author of "Biblical Economics"; "Saturday Night Live" alum Victoria Jackson, author-columnist Erik Rush, author Judith Reisman and political activist Floyd Brown.

For ticket and reservation information, visit the conference website or call 877-768-2784, extension 105 during regular business hours.

www.wnd.com/

Sept. 5, 2010