NEW YORK- Leading Chinese pastors, Christians and social workers in the New York region strictly stand against the controversial Oscar Best Picture nominee ‘Brokeback Mountain’ that features a story about two gay men.

On Feb. 25 evening, the New York-based Support Tradition Marriage Association organized the "Brokeback Mountain Movie Review Forum" at New York Theological Education Center (NYTEC). Over 100 people, including pastors, believers and social workers, have attended the event. Presided by NYTEC General Director Rev. Timothy Chiu, Chairman of Support Tradition Marriage Association Rev. Yuen Mo-Shing, Rev David Pang from New Jersey First Chinese Presbyterian Church, the California-based counselor and psychologist for homosexuals Dr Melvin Wong and others are invited as main speakers.

Rev David Pang pointed out that the film mispresented the image of homosexuals. For instance, homosexuals are being portrayed as victims of the society and the movie tries to plead for sympathy and unconditional acceptance for this group.

In addition, from the original novel "Brokeback Mountain," one of the main characters Jack Twist became a homosexual because he was tortured by his father in his childhood. However, Pang suggested that since many homosexuals claim that they are born with the abnormal sexual orientation, the movie has avoided this important part intentionally and it could misguide young people.

Acknowledged the fame and pride gained by the internationally popular Taiwanese director Ang Lee through the movie, the vice-chairman of Support Tradition Marriage Association was deeply worried by the negative impact of the movie to the society.

The vice-chairman said that out of the five Oscar Best Picture nominees this year, two are gay-themed movies; 5 out of 15 best actor nominees are openly homomsexuals, transsexuals or bisexuals. This fallen trend has imposed great destruction on the concept of traditional marriage between one man and one woman. It will also have unimaginable negative impact on the second generations.

Amid all the strong critics, Dr Melvin Wong, on the other hand, urged the Chinese community and organizations to unite together to reach out to those who are burdened by the trend of homosexuality, helping them to be released from sins.

Last but not the least, Chairman of Support Tradition Marriage Association Rev. Yuen Mo-Shing called on Christians to pray for homosexuals that they may receive the mercy from God and repent.