Apple has pulled the controversial Exodus International app that many claim promoted the “curing” of gay people. Apple was petitioned by over 146,000 people demanding that the offensive app be removed from the iTunes app store.
The ministry that created the app responded today on their blog. Their president, Alan Chambers, said, “We are extremely disappointed to learn of Apple’s decision to deny equal representation in the public square. Discrimination of thought and belief obstructs essential dialogue and authentic diversity.” They asked people to urge Apple to “recognize the diversity of beliefs” and restore the app to the app store. “It is our hope that Apple will reconsider its decision and allow our organization to be part of the ongoing conversation about the challenging issues many face today,” said Chambers.
I have a feeling Apple won’t be doing that anytime soon.
The petitioners, on the other hand, were pleased: “This is not a question of free speech, but of stopping a virulently anti-gay organization from peddling false speech at the expense of vulnerable LGBT youth,” said John Becker of Truth Wins Out.
Controversy aside, it’s good to see Apple responding to popular demand like this.
[via Cellular-News]