A branch of HarperCollins Publishers asked me to condemn my daughter's sexual orientation as a shameful gay lifestyle.

Their Thomas Nelson and Westbow Press divisions, declare homosexuality as sinful behavior, while HarperCollins itself prints several LGBT-affirming books. They can’t have it both ways. Join me and tell HarperCollins to stand for spiritual equality not religion-based bigotry and hostility.

My name is Dawn Bennett; I am a mother, a Christian and an aspiring author living in Tennessee.  A few years ago, my daughter came out. Up to that time, we were very active in our church. But when she came out, we were ostracized as a family and she was completely rejected by those she considered friends. We ultimately left the congregation.  

A few years ago I wrote a book recounting my experience as a Christian mother raising a gay daughter and the impact Christianity had on my LGBT family. When I recently submitted it for publishing at Westbow Press, they responded by requiring me to make particular changes if I wanted them to publish my book. These changes are in direct opposition to the lesson of acceptance and understanding I hoped to convey and are contrary to what the Christian faith teaches concerning unconditional love.  In short, I was told to cast all mention of homosexuality in a negative and sinful light and to make sure any character described as homosexual was remorseful and currently taking steps to change their lifestyle.

I was in shock. Their email made me feel rejected again by my faith community. According to Thomas Nelson, since my daughter is a lesbian, she is a sin, her life is a sin and if I do anything other than condemn her I too am sinful. I have an extensive personal library and many of my books are published by HarperCollins or its affiliates. HarperCollins Christian Publishing has been a trusted "go-to" for me for decades, but I now I feel deceived and misled.

Every publisher has the right to print whatever subjects they choose. However, HarperCollins is a multinational company that has LGBT titles in its catalogue. These books make them millions of dollars a year. They shouldn’t be able to take our money with one hand and then shame us with the other.  I think customers need to know HarperCollins’ position on this issue especially if their position promotes causing others harm.

They must not sanction a message that reduces same-gender orientation to sinful behavior that can and should be changed. The American Psychological Association and other social sciences have deemed such stigma and hostility harmful to the health and well-being of LGBT youth and families.

They should make clear their commitment to the full human dignity and full equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Ask HarperCollins to take this stand. Sign my petition. HarperCollins: Don't sanction hostility toward LGBT youth and families.