GLSEN Takes on Family Research Council Over "Documentary"

The antigay group that's distributing a supposed "documentary" that is filled with false information about the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network could be in legal trouble if it doesn't stop spreading the bogus story.

Attorneys for GLSEN delivered a cease-and-desist letter today to the Family Research Council, which is selling copies of the video on its website and posted a portion on its YouTube channel.

GLSEN said the clip contained "false and defamatory statements" that "can do real and lasting harm to our work."

Viewers are taken to the offices of Brian Camenker of MassResistance, who tells a tale about a "Little Black Book" that he alleges was distributed by GLSEN to kids in fifth through ninth grades. But bloggers noted that GLSEN never distributed the booklet, which is actually a guidebook for people over the age of 18 created by the AIDS Action Committee to help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

"FRC has made those false and defamatory statements in an obvious effort to raise money, undermine GLSEN's work and maintain the status quo," stated GLSEN in response. "We must respond forcefully and aggressively to defend our ability to fulfill our mission, and to protect ourselves and our partners in this critical work."

Both FRC and MassResistance are listed as "hate groups" by the Southern Poverty Law Center because they routinely spread defamatory falsehoods about LGBT people.