Indiana Youth Group, a support group for gay youth, is now in the spotlight

[Shana A]

Indiana Youth Group, a support group for gay youth, is now in the spotlight
Support group for gay youth makes some uneasy
12:45 AM, Apr. 1, 2012
Written by Chris Sikich

http://www.indystar.com/article/20120401/LOCAL1802/204010340/Indiana-Youth-Group-support-group-gay-youth-now-spotlight

Indiana Youth Group is the small, and for a time, unnoticed organization at the center of a long-simmering controversy over sexual orientation. The group helps self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, ages 12-20.

Advocates say it boosts the self-esteem of young people at their most vulnerable age. But conservative activists and politicians disagree with the efforts of the nonprofit, questioning the age-appropriateness of the material it uses.

The debate over issues regarding sexual orientation of the young and old has been a political tempest in Indiana for several years. Republican lawmakers will take their final steps in 2013 to enact a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage and civil unions -- and that will be settled by popular vote in 2014.

The Indiana Youth Group found itself in the spotlight after some conservatives protested its specialty license plate.