Reminders thicken in Colorado Springs about James Dobson's crusade against gay rights advocacy
In the heart of Colorado Springs, a city once known for its conservative Christian influence, the legacy of James Dobson and Focus on the Family remains a significant part of its history.
Dobson, the founder of Focus on the Family, a global Christian ministry, touched millions with his advice on parenting, sexuality, and relationships. However, his impact on Colorado Springs was not without controversy. In 1991, Focus on the Family made its home in the city, and with it, a change in atmosphere was perceived by long-time residents like Pamela Draper.
The Focus on the Family campus, a massive complex of brick buildings, remains a significant landmark in Colorado Springs. Yet, it was during Dobson's tenure that a dark political cloud seemed to move over the city, with a focus on gay people. In 1992, Dobson campaigned for Amendment 2, a state ballot initiative to limit gay rights in Colorado.
The Amendment 2 passed but was later struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court as unconstitutional. The campaign, however, left an indelible mark on the city. Richard Skorman, who runs Poor Richard's restaurant and bookstore, experienced increased hostility during Dobson's campaign, including bricks thrown through the window, bomb threats, and a brick with a note saying "it's Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve."
Despite the hostility, the Amendment 2 campaign also served as a catalyst for change. Mary Lou Makepeace, former mayor of Colorado Springs, didn't know anyone gay before Dobson's arrival but became a supporter of equal rights for all. She later became the director of the Gill Foundation, a gay rights advocacy organization.
Kay Coles James, president of the Heritage Foundation, recalled a supportive conversation with Dobson after her son came out as gay. However, she also remembered Dobson's belief that gay people could be cured with the proper faith and counseling. Makepeace believes Dobson's extreme actions made the people he was denigrating stronger and led them to stand up for themselves.
After Focus arrived, Colorado Springs became a real conservative Christian Mecca for a long time. Yet, the city has since evolved. Colorado Springs was named the No. 2 best place to live by U.S. News and World Report, attracting young people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following Dobson's departure, Jim Daly succeeded him as the chairman of Focus on the Family. Despite Dobson's passing, there were no visible signs of mourning at Focus on the Family's campus. Pamela Draper, a resident of Colorado Springs since 1977, is glad she, her wife, and daughter stayed and fought against Dobson's attempts to limit civil rights.
In the end, the legacy of James Dobson and Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs serves as a reminder of the city's past, a testament to its resilience, and a symbol of its ongoing journey towards inclusivity and acceptance.
