'Gospel Singers' and Traditional Values Coalition

Sheldon said this latest briefing was designed to present staffers with information countering the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which Sheldon called "the homosexual quota bill," and to offer testimonies illustrating how "people are being persecuted because they refuse to accept the homosexual agenda." No members of Congress were present among the approximately 70 people in attendance.

The Winans's recording, "Not Natural," attracted national attention last fall, particularly within the black community, because of its lyrics denouncing homosexuality. After showing attendees at the briefing a music video for the song, Debbie Winans recounted incidents of harassment and threats of violence which she said she and her sister have experienced in the wake of the song's September release.

"If the homosexual community [and] organizations have the rights to state their beliefs openly and readily, then we should, too," said Debbie Winans. "We have been attacked as being bigots, fostering homophobia, fostering hate and bashing, but, in actuality, it's been in reverse."

Debbie Winans announced the duo's opposition to ENDA, explaining, "We believe that anyone should be able to work, but it should be based on qualifications."

In addition to the Winans' presentation, the event featured legal experts explaining what TVC sees as ENDA's potentially detrimental impact on small business, as well as two additional testimonials from individuals who said they had been "persecuted" after challenging Gay civil rights in their communities. Sheldon also told the staffers that Green Bay Packers star defensive end Reggie White was scheduled to attend the briefing but had a last-minute schedule conflict. Sheldon said White, who has been facing public criticism recently for denouncing homosexuality in a speech to the Wisconsin State Assembly, asked that his support for the event be mentioned.

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