ABC NEWS NIGHTLINE TOWN MEETING: A MATTER OF CHOICE? (TV)
Summary
A special edition in this series of nightly news programs. This "Town Meeting," held at the Jefferson Center in Roanoke, Virginia, and hosted by anchor Ted Koppel deals with religious beliefs and homosexuality. The evening's panel consists of Father Randy Rule; Reverend Michael Palmer; Reverend Roy White; Reverend Catherine Houchins; former Commonwealth attorney Sam Garrison; First Baptist Church members David and Debbie Musselman; lesbian youth Christina Longobardi; gay support group leader Rhonda Chattin; businessman Will Trinkle; retired Navy man Jack LeDoux; accountant Jen Desaegher; "Roanoke Times" editor Mike Riley; and travel writer Wendy Maxey. Koppel opens the program by citing recent statements made by the Roman Catholic Church condemning homosexuality and responses from the homosexual community. Members of the panel respond to Koppel's statements and offer commentary as the discussion proceeds to varying topics. Members of the audience also offer input and ask questions. The panelists address the issue of homosexuals in the clergy. A man in the audience explains why he thinks homosexuals are categorically disqualified from being in the ministry. Garrison makes a comparison between old prohibitions against interracial marriage and prohibitions against homosexuals today. Several audience members share their opinions on the issue.
Koppel moves the discussion on, using clips from last night's "Nightline" broadcast to lead into the next topic: the struggles faced by gay youth. Longobardi talks about being one of the few young lesbians who had a supportive family. Chattin, Debbie Musselman, and members of the audience talk about counseling in schools and the sexual identity struggles faced by some young people. Members of the panel discuss the concern about acceptance by family and friends, self-identity, and issues of faith. Riley and others talk about gay politics in Roanoke and community dialogue about this issue over the past few years. Several audience members offer their thoughts and personal stories. One man who defines himself as an "ex-gay" talks about his life and his current negative views of homosexuality. Subsequently, a woman explains that her faith in God helped her come to terms with being a lesbian. A repeated theme in the discussion is whether or not homosexuals have a "choice" to be gay. Some people remark on the spiritual strength of homosexuals they know personally. Father Rule explains his personal views on the church and religion. Maxey shares her own experience and beliefs as a lesbian who came out at the age of twenty-one. Garrison explains that the most important thing he's learned is to be patient with people who are not understanding. Koppel closes with a few words, sharing his hope that dialogue on this matter will continue after the program concludes. This program is closed-captioned. Includes commercials and promos.
Details
- NETWORK: ABC
- DATE: May 24, 2002 11:35 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 1:29:32
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:71615
- GENRE: News; Talk/Interviews
- SUBJECT HEADING: Religion; Roman Catholic Church; LGBTQ+ Collection; Homosexuality (See also: Gay and Lesbian)
- SERIES RUN: ABC - TV series, 1980-
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CREDITS
- Ted Koppel … Anchor
- Rhonda Chattin … Guest
- Jen Desaegher … Guest
- Sam Garrison … Guest
- Catherine Houchins … Guest
- Jack LeDoux … Guest
- Christina Longobardi … Guest
- Wendy Maxey … Guest
- David Musselman … Guest
- Debbie Musselman … Guest
- Michael Palmer … Guest
- Mike Riley … Guest
- Randy Rule … Guest
- Will Trinkle … Guest
- Roy White … Guest