http://www.thestar.com/business/article/959894--apple-removes-controversial-gay-cure-appApple removes controversial ‘gay cure’ app
Kenyon Wallace Toronto Star
Apple has delisted from its iTunes store a controversial app created by a religious group that believes homosexuality can be “cured” after an online petition calling for the app’s removal garnered more than 154,000 signatures.
The decision by the world’s largest computer maker to list the app, created by Exodus International, a ministry group that cites homosexual tendencies as “one of many conditions that beset fallen humanity,” received widespread condemnation from gay-rights activists and garnered international media coverage.
Exodus International’s president, Alan Chambers, confirmed through Twitter that his group’s app had been removed on Tuesday night: “It’s official. The @ExodusInl App is no longer in the @AppleStore. Incredibly disappointing. Watch out, it could happen to you.”
“We consider this an alarming trend for our culture in which there seems to be a lack of diversity and tolerance being displayed on the iTunes platform,” Exodus spokesman Jeff Buchanan told the Star. “Currently, other organizations that have opposing theological views are allowed to have applications on the platform, and we’re simply asking for fair and equal representation.”
Wayne Besen, founder of Truth Wins Out, the Burlington, Vt.-based LBGT advocacy organization that launched the online petition, called Apple’s decision “terrific.”
“Apple looked at their customer base and realized they were incredibly offended,” he told the Star. “In the end, they acted decisively and we’re excited about that.”
The app, launched in mid-February, initially received a 4+ approval rating from Apple, meaning it did not contain any “objectionable material.”
However, upon review, it seems Apple decided the app did not in fact meet its editorial guidelines.
“We removed the Exodus International app from the app store because it violates the developer guidelines by being offensive to large groups of people,” Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr told FoxNews.com.
According to Exodus International’s website, the app provided users with an event calendar, podcasts, video, “real answers,” “real stories” and links to Twitter and Facebook, and was designed to “be a useful resource for men, women, parents, students and ministry leaders.”
Michael Jones, editor-in-chief of Change.org, the online platform for the petition that called for the app’s removal, told the Star he is “thrilled” with Apple’s decision. His website, along with Truth Wins Out, launched the petition last week and quickly ramped up support.
“What Apple is saying here is that this so-called ‘reparative therapy,’ or a cure for gay people. has no place on the iTunes platform,” Jones said. “Companies that create apps must ensure they adhere to Apple’s guidelines. Removing the Exodus International app is consistent with the guidelines.”
Apple’s developer guidelines state that “any app that is defamatory, offensive, mean-spirited, or likely to place the targeted individual or group in harm’s way will be rejected.”
Exodus International states on its website that “reorientation” of same-sex attraction is possible. It also says that homosexuality is a “multi-causal, developmental disorder that can be overcome with the help of professional counsellors and that an individual can experience transformation through the healing power of Jesus Christ.”
Wow. The jokes basically write themselves. But I'm happy that Apple made the right choice in the end.
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