From special correspondents in Riga

RIGA, November 15, 2007  –  Watchmen on the Walls is not a hate group, Scott Lively declared during the group’s conference which opened yesterday in the Latvian capital.

The anti-gay American author of the notorious The Pink Swastika was introduced to delegates as “the prominent human rights activist and public figure”.

Mr. Lively claimed to be speaking on behalf of the vast majority of people on earth.

“We do not want to inflict evil on those who choose for themselves an immoral way of life – we do not feel hatred towards [gays],” he said.

“We want to save them – we are opposed to homosexual advocacy and other sexual perversion.

“But we will not apologise for fighting homosexuality because it is inappropriate and harmful unnatural phenomenon, in both moral and physical, and psychological relationships. This fact is obvious to the vast majority of people on earth, which we represent.”

This morning, Watchmen on the Walls and the Riga-based Russian-speaking New Generation Church made a “statement to the world’s press” in Russian, saying it was a “world association of men and women of all races, colours and nationalities who believe in the superiority of the natural family and marriage of one man and one woman”.

“We are against cohabitation, divorce, abortion, adultery and other acts that undermine society on which civilization is based.

“But in particular, we oppose homosexuality because this destructive practice in the evils of organized political movement and became the principal enemies of the natural family,” the statement said.

“We do not support violence and did not condone violence.  We will not apologise for the fight against homosexuality because it is inappropriate and harmful unnatural phenomenon, in both moral and physical, and psychological relationships.

“This fact is obvious to the vast majority of people on earth, which we represent.

“We reject hate in recriminations.  We know that some hate homosexuals, but we are not.  We see homosexuals similar to alcoholics, that is, as the unfortunate people who have been held hostage by their harmful lifestyles.

“Even refusing treatment, they are on a par with alcoholics’ right to privacy in their own dwellings.  But public recruitment adherents of this way of life that is unacceptable.

“Public morality must denounce homosexuality … to the fullest extent possible, minimising its impact on society.

“Our task is to merge with associates around the world and assist them in the approval of the natural family and traditional marriage, as well as the healing of homosexuals, which in this endeavour.  We will help those who share our beliefs, to take key positions in education, business, government and the media around the world,” the statement warned.

“We know that this attitude will be met vigorously those who believe homosexuality is normal and useful, especially journalists in Europe and America, many of whom are themselves homosexual or their active supporters.  We know that these people will criticise us, but we will not allow them to intimidate and deprive us of our legitimate right to participate in the open discussion of the direction in which society should evolve and countries of the world.

“We are searching for the sense of cooperation between men and women in different countries and different nationalities.  We do not like cowards, who, for example, dare to speak out against same-marriages, but does not dare to say that homosexuality is inherently evil.  We do not need chauvinists who hate homosexuals in the same way as some people hate other races and strangers.  We need a courageous and decent people who love the natural order of imams and the human family, wishing her approval, promotion, improvement and protection as the primary sources of any society on earth,” the statement concludes.

The Watchmen on the Walls conference is being staged at the ageing Riga National Sports Arena built during the Soviet era.

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