Posted on 03/12/2011 12:16:23 PM PST by SeekAndFind
An online activism website has collected over 2,600 signatures within a few days to petition Apple Inc. for the removal of the iPhone app of a Christian ministry dealing with homosexuality.
Exodus International, which bills itself as the world’s largest Christian ministry dealing with homosexual issues, reported that a petition by the LGBT rights group Truth Wins Out on Change.org is quickly gaining support. In less than 24 hours, the petition was able to gather more than 1,300 signatures.
Truth Wins Out contends that the app conveys the ministry’s “hateful and bigoted” message.
“They claim to offer ‘freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus Christ’ and use scare tactics, misinformation, stereotypes and distortions of LGBT life to recruit clients,” reads the petition.
Critics of Exodus also blasted the ministry’s use of reparative therapy, calling it “bad medicine” and “very damaging” to the self-esteem and mental health of people struggling with same-sex attraction.
But Exodus’ Jeff Buchanan, senior director of Church Equipping and Student Ministries, explains that its goal with the app was to “create resources that are easily accessible and helpful for those looking for answers to their questions about sexuality and faith.”
“We hope to reach a broader demographic by using the latest technology.”
The ministry had released its new iPhone app on Tuesday. The app received a 4+ rating from Apple, which means that it contains “no objectionable content.”
Despite the 4+ rating, Exodus is still concerned about the protest because in November 2010, Apple removed the application of another Christian group following pressure from gay activist groups. The Manhattan Declaration app, which affirmed the sanctity of life, the historic understanding of marriage, and religious liberty, was also initially approved and rated as a 4+. But opponents called the app "anti-gay."
Though more than 46,000 people signed a petition asking the company to reinstate the Manhattan Declaration app, Apple rejected the request.
“We removed the Manhattan Declaration app from the App Store because it violates our developer guidelines by being offensive to large groups of people,” said Apple.
Exodus said it is concerned that Apple is “in danger of failing to meet the diverse needs of their customer base by denying them access to all viewpoints regarding sexuality.”
100 million iPhones sold.
1300 signatures.
Sounds like an insignificant matter entirely; however Apple being a California based MNC may bow to the pressure of the gay lobby and remove the app.
If only there was a Constitutional amendment that applies here.
More tolerance!
Where’s the hate in all this?? The only hate I feel is when I turn on the TV and someone is promoting “gay”...Stay out of my living room.
No Constitutinal Admendment is needed.
All you need to do is to call your stock broker and place an order to buy 50.1 of Apple stock.
And then you can dictate what Apps Apple has and does not have available.
I hate it when a company or group bows to the demands of some minority group.
Excellent point. If Apple dumps this app you can always dump your iPhone.
Or better yet, switch to an Android phone so that you can take advantage of a free marketplace for apps that isn’t dictated by Apple.
—Posted from Thane_Banquo’s Samsung Fascinate Droid.
Or better yet, switch to an Android phone so that you can take advantage of a free marketplace for apps that isn’t dictated by Apple.
—Posted from Thane_Banquo’s Samsung Fascinate Droid.
:}
An average American, Joe Bloggs, was asked to comment on the matter:
“Truth Wins Out? What the heck does that mean in the context of a Lesbian, ‘gay’, transgender rights group? What Does that mean? The ‘truth’ that if you don’t believe that homosexuality needs to be promoted you have to be banned from print and the internet? What sort of truth are we talking about here? The truth of the end of free speech? Like “Gestapo wins out?” Jeez! Buggery has gone on for thousands of years but that doesn’t mean that all of a sudden people who happen to disagree-”
Mr. Bloggs was, of course, immediately silenced.
His children are ashamed of him, as they should be.
And their teachers are very, very proud of THEM!
Especially Mr. McFriendly, M.Ed., the single 40 year old Union President. He’s the friendliest teacher EVER!
Free speech has its place, after all.
But not when it’s “hate” speech.
Apple, Do not give in to the perverts. There are more non pervert consumers then pervert consumers. Remember that....
Why would Apple do that? Just because another stupid group thinks they can dictate. I was going to buy 2 Apple phones and IPADS; but I won’t if they kowtow to this.
Apple long ago sold their souls to the Devil. I won’t have anything to do with them, as far as I am able.
and how many signatures would ‘keep the Christian ministry app’ bring in?
someone should start it to counter the Christian haters
but notwithstanding, you read it here first: coming soon: android "rainbow" model; full support for porn and "alternative social networking."
Memo to fudgepackers: tolerance is melting faster than the polar ice caps.
$50 says Cupertino folds.
What I find amazing in that there were so many gay blades checking out that app.
Think about it ~ you don't know what it's like until you use it eh?!
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