Is Apple "Anti-Gay"?
March 20, 2011
Apple is being accused of anti-gay discrimination, after it approved the release of an iPhone/iPod touch app that promotes “freedom from homosexuality.” In condemning the Exodus International app, Truth Wins Out (TWO), an organization that fights anti-gay religious extremism, has asked others to sign a petition calling for Apple CEO Steve Jobs to take the app offline.
Exodus International, which calls itself the “world’s largest ministry to individuals and families impacted by homosexuality,” released the app by the same name in February.
On its blog, the organization says the app is designed to “be a useful resource for men, women, parents, students, and ministry leaders, (and) reach a broader demographic and readily provide information that is crucial for many seek hope and encouragement.”
TWO, for its part, calls Exodus International “the notorious “ex-gay” organization,” that has a message that “is hateful and bigoted.”
They believe the app’s attempt to “reach a broader demographic” is to target youth “and fuels the ostracism of LGBT youth by their families.”
In its petition to Jobs, TWO says Apple has long been a friend of the LGBT community, and because of this, should promptly remove the “dangerous “ex-gay”” iPhone from the (App) store.”
The Exodus International app has largely been condemned in the App Store, collecting an average rating of two stars by 594 reviewers. Of those, 417 gave the app a one star rating.
One visitor, JQuest777, says, “don’t waste you (sic) time unless you are into self-deception and unnecessary grief.” Another, Deconmac, says, “the whole Exodus philosophy is a scam.”
However, the app does have its proponents. One reviewer, katie brown said it “is an extremely useful tool,” while dpacnp says, “glad this app exist (sic)!”
So far, Apple has remained silent on this issue and the free iPhone app remains available.
To sign TWO’s petition, visit change.org.
Should Apple pull this app? Leave your comments below.
