After a flood of backlash, Apple has pulled the “gay-cure” app from its iTunes store.
Over 150,000 people signed an online petition demanding that Apple remove the Exodus International iPhone app which claimed to help people with unwanted same-sex attraction to live a life congruent with biblical teaching.
In a statement released on their website, Exodus International said Apple originally gave the App a 4+ rating, but has caved in to the gay activist groups who launched a petition to remove it.
“We are extremely disappointed to learn of Apple’s decision to deny equal representation in the public square,” said Alan Chambers, president of Exodus International. “Discrimination of thought and belief obstructs essential dialogue and authentic diversity,” said Chambers noting that Apple provides hundreds of apps specific to the GLBT community and has made the Gay Christian Network’s podcasts available on its iTunes store.
“Ultimately, this issue comes down to what we, as a culture, believe about equality and the freedom to express our beliefs,” said Chambers. “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.”
Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr confirmed the App’s removal from the App Store because “it violates our developer guidelines by being offensive to large groups of people.”
TWO and Change.org both praised Apple today.
“Apple made a wise and responsible decision to dump an offensive app that demonized gay and lesbian people,” Wayne Besen, executive director of Truth Wins Out, said in a statement. “The real winners today are LGBT youth who are safer and less at risk for receiving Exodus’ malice and misinformation.”
Exodus International is an interdenominational not-for-profit Christian organization, founded by Michael Bussee, Gary Cooper, Frank Worthen, Ron Dennis, and Greg Reid. The free App encouraged people to read prescribed reading material, attend events and to donate to Exodus International.
Sources
Exodus International
Truth Wins Out
cnet News
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