Conservatives groups irked by the nationwide 'Day of Silence' observed by gay activists and designed to combat bias and discrimination against homosexuals have declared their own 'day' of observance this week. They are calling it the 'Day of Truth' and are using it to attempt to mobilize students who believe homosexuality is a sinful practice.

The 'Day of Silence' is Wednesday of this week while the 'Day of Truth' is scheduled for Thursday. T-shirts that read, 'The Truth Cannot be Silenced' will be handed out to those rallying against homosexuality. They say they refuse to condone what they call 'detrimental personal and social behavior.'

Among the groups supporting the 'Day of Truth' are a Christian legal group called the Alliance Defense Fund as well as other conservative groups like Focus on the Family and the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission.

The 'Day of Silence' was initiated in 1996 and was started by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). It's members go an entire day without speaking to help raise awareness of the issue.

Kevin Jennings of GLSEN told the Associated Press that he doubted the 'Day of Truth' would gain much support in the long run.

'The Day of Silence was an event conceived of by students themselves in response to a very real problem of bullying and harassment they saw on their campuses,' Jennings said. 'The Day of Truth is a publicity stunt cooked up by a conservative organization with a political agenda; it's an effort by adults to manipulate some kids.'

But Mike Johnson, an attorney with the Alliance Defense Fund doesn't agree. He feels that the real underlying message behind the 'Day of Silence' is different.

'No one is for bullying and harassment,' Johnson said. 'But that's cloaking their real message -- that homosexuality is good for society.'

This appears to be the latest chapter in the ongoing battle between the gay community and the religious right.