App Store criticised following 'freedom from homosexuality' download
by Steven Mostyn - Mar 22 2011, 08:36
Image: andydr/Flickr.
Apple's App Store has often been criticised for its tendency to come down hard on software submissions considered to be daring, raunchy, or in any way controversial.
However, today sees accusatory fingers pointed at Jobs & Co. for not only being unusually lapse in their approvals but also for peddling discrimination.
More pointedly, the Cupertino-based gadget giant is currently fielding complaints after an application aiming to provide a 'gay cure' for its users appeared on the virtual shelves of the App Store.
The app in question was created by Exodus International, a religious organisation that claims to have more than 35 years of ministry experience in "encouraging, educating and equipping the Body of Christ to address the issue of homosexuality with grace and truth."
A quick look at the app's posted description reveals it to be available as a free download equipped with the App Store's lowest '4+' rating, which indicates that Apple believes it to be clear of objectionable content.
However, vast sways of the Internet community are taking exception to the Exodus application and more than 122,000 gay activists have already signed a Truth Wins Out petition calling upon Apple to remove the contentious download.
"Apple has long been a friend of the LGBT community, opposing California's Proposition 8, removing the anti-gay Manhattan Declaration iPhone app, and earning a 100% score from the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index," outlines the petition.
"I am shocked that this same company has given the green light to an app from a notoriously anti-gay organisation like Exodus International that uses scare tactics, misinformation, stereotypes and distortions of LGBT life to recruit clients, and endorses the use of so-called ‘reparative therapy’ to ‘change’ the sexual orientation of their clients."
So, if your sexual proclivity is currently besieging every aspect of waking life, Exodus will apparently provide "freedom from homosexuality", while upholding heterosexuality "as God's creative intent for humanity".
We’ll pass thanks.
Written using Dragon NaturallySpeaking version 11.
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