Conservative evangelical leader James Dobson has resigned as chairman of anti-gay organization Focus on the Family, according to the Associated Press.
Dobson notified the board of his decision Feb. 26, and the 950 employees of the Colorado Springs, Colo.-based ministry were told Feb. 28 at a monthly worship service. Dobson, 72, will continue to host the organization’s radio program, write a monthly newsletter and speak out on moral issues.
In a press release, Wayne Besen, executive director of the nonprofit pro-LGBT organization Truth Wins Out, said, “James Dobson’s legacy of lies has caused significant pain for gay and lesbian people and their families. We hope his departure will eventually signal a shift in tone and end Focus on the Family’s destructive attacks against gay and lesbian Americans.”
Windy City Times reported that last Nov. 8, hundreds of LGBTA activists demonstrated downtown outside of Chicago’s Renaissance Hotel, where Dobson and Focus on the Family were inducted by the Museum of Broadcast Communications into the National Radio Hall of Fame.
Last year, Focus on the Family got rid of more than 200 staff positions, the Associated Press reported.
Dobson’s wife, Shirley, also left the Focus board. The new board chairman is retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Patrick P. Caruana.