Anti-Homosexual App Approved by Apple App Store Receives Some Criticism

[Ryo Hazuki]

Apple is today accused of anti-gay discrimination, following the release of an iPhone app that aims to help people find “freedom from homosexuality”.

A petition has been launched by Truth Wins Out, which describes itself as a non-profit organisation that fights anti-gay religious extremism on the change.org website, asking Steve Jobs to intervene to remove the app. The app is the work of the Exodus International ministry.

In a letter which those supporting their petition sign up to receive, they write: "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.

"I am shocked that this same company has given the green light to an app from a notoriously anti-gay organization like Exodus International that uses scare tactics, misinformation, stereotypes and distortions of LGBT life to recruit clients, endorses the use of so-called 'reparative therapy' to 'change' the sexual orientation of their clients."

According to TWO, "reparative therapy" has been roundly condemned by every major professional medical organisation. The petition launched last week and has already attracted some 17,000 signatures: however, as word of the app spreads, the rate at which individuals are signing up appears to be snowballing.

Exodus International claims to be "the world’s largest ministry to individuals and families impacted by homosexuality". On its site, Exodus states that it "upholds heterosexuality as God’s creative intent for humanity, and subsequently views homosexual expression as outside of God’s will".

Their new smartphone app was released last week and is "now available through iTunes". According to Exodus, this app has received a 4+ rating from Apple and "applications in this category contain no objectionable material". They conclude: "This application is designed to be a useful resource for men, women, parents, students, and ministry leaders."

TWO are unimpressed. Describing the app as "unacceptable", and requesting its immediate removal, they warn Apple: "Your company would never allow a racist or anti-Semitic app to be sold in the iTunes store, and for good reason. Apple's approval of the anti-gay Exodus International app represents a double standard for the LGBT community with potentially devastating consequences for our youth."

We have asked Apple whether it intends to take any action in respect of this app, but so far have received no response.

Unfortunately for Apple, it may shortly have to chose between offending its Christian base and its gay base. Both have significant spending power, and we suspect this is an issue it would rather just went away.

However, when faced with a similar issue last November, after an app was created around the Manhattan Declaration which is hostile to gay marriage, Apple came down on the side of gay rights and removed the app. ®



Exodus International is self-proclaimed the world’s largest Christian ministry “dealing” with gay people. Their self-titled app, Exodus, launched Tuesday, March 15, 2011, and has created much controversy.

Exodus was created to target people struggling with homosexuality, and has set out to help gay people “become straight”. Claiming to offer “freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus Christ,” they use tactics that have been rejected by many professional medical organizations, including the American Psychological Association.

The controversial app has received much criticism from gay rights groups, and a petition has now been created on Change.org demanding that Apple remove the app immediately. The online petition boomed overnight with 1,300 signatures in the first 24 hours, and now has over 46,000 signatures since Saturday afternoon.

Exodus has been accused of using scare tactics, but they claim to use a technique called “repetitive therapy” to influence their clients into a straight lifestyle.

Tempers have flared and are reflected in the reviews left for the app.

“I actually considered trashing my iPhone today because I’m that appalled and offended that apple would even approve this app! You don’t see app’s out there called “let’s cage the Jews” or “attack the Taliban before they attack us” do you!? What a horrendous display of utter ignorance,” said one angry reviewer.

The app received a 4 rating from Apple, which would generally mean it contains no objectionable content; some beg to disagree.

Apple has not commented at this time.

http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/apple-gets-heat-for-anti-gay-app-19-03-2011/

http://madmikesamerica.com/2011/03/apple-receives-criticism-for-approving-an-anti-gay-app/
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/03/18/apple_christian_conundrum/
--------

You know I hate censorship and I'm very adamant in my support of free-speech but I really have to wonder how this got through an App-Approval process.

I mean, really, they let this pass but scream and hollar at any nudity? wtf I'm not really trying to cause an Apple haters thread so I'll just propose a question

Do you support homosexuality?
Do you think that homosexuality is a disease/un-natural and do you think it is wrong.
Do you support it if you think it is abnormal still?

-------
To answer my own question, no I don't think it's a disease and yes I support it.

[Gloomy Mushroom]

Anything that has the words "Anti" and "Homosexuality" has always got to have a connection to the word "Christian". Not only are Apple going to cop a lot of criticism for allowing such an app, but the developers themselves. I wonder if this would mean the end of the iPhone for the larger gay/lesbian/bi community if they knew about this.

[Dean]

You bet it's unnatural. Just like posting on the internet. Oops!

[Ryo Hazuki]

What? The internet is not natural, building houses is not natural, clothes are not natural?

Anyway, I could have proposed my question better. :lol:

[Benjamin]

That's a lot of text which I don't feel like reading but I think I got the jist of it. I am all for homosexuality and think really lowly of people that don't. I can't help it. I'm not sure exactly what this app is but if it's a clear anti-homesexual app than shame on the developers.

[Dean]

What? The internet is not natural, building houses is not natural, clothes are not natural?

Anyway, I could have proposed my question better. :lol:
I hope you're joking. The need for clothing and shelter isn't the same as the need for message boards.

Using the internet, driving a car, playing checkers, whatever. None of those things are any more natural than homsexuality, so if that's someone's argument against it they might as well be against those things too.

[Ryo Hazuki]

I hope you're joking. The need for clothing and shelter isn't the same as the need for message boards.

Using the internet, driving a car, playing checkers, whatever. All of those aren't any more natural than homsexuality, so if that's someone's argument against it they might as well be against those things too.

I think you got me...

[Benjamin]

Being Gay is something you are born with. It's not a choice. I think that's all Jesse was trying to say. He just sucks at words :awesome:

[Ryo Hazuki]

Actually what I was trying to say is actually that I don't believe in "natural" as society defines it. I don't think people are born straight or gay, I take a pomosexual view about things and I really dislike labels there of of straight-bisexual or gay. I only use them because that is what society expects of me.

But yes you are correct as of right now I am having a bit of trouble articulating myself. Insomnia and depression have really been taking a toll on me lately, not that that's any excuse.

[Benjamin]

Sorry to hear that :(.

But I would like to know how you think people end up being gay. To me, they're obviously born with it. People don't chose to be a part of one of the most discriminated groups of people in America.

[Todd]

Do I think it should be allowed? Yes, I don't think Apple should censor the app store. They've done way too much of that lately and I disagree with it, and an uncensored app store would mean putting up with the crap I disagree with. It's like the old saying "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

Now...given the fact that Apple does censor the App Store, should it be allowed? Absolutely not. If Apple is going to pull fart apps, the Nine Inch Nails app because it links to their message board that has "objectionable content" (aka cuss words) or all of the other apps that have been removed for bullshit reasons because they might offend someone, then this app needs to be removed from the App Store. Apple either needs to censor consistently or not censor at all.

[Ryo Hazuki]

Sorry to hear that :(.

But I would like to know how you think people end up being gay. To me, they're obviously born with it. People don't chose to be a part of one of the most discriminated groups of people in America.

The simplest answer that I can give is that no, I do not believe that it's a choice to be gay. If you want me to explain my views more please tell me so.


Do I think it should be allowed? Yes, I don't think Apple should censor the app store. They've done way too much of that lately and I disagree with it, and an uncensored app store would mean putting up with the crap I disagree with. It's like the old saying "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

Now...given the fact that Apple does censor the App Store, should it be allowed? Absolutely not. If Apple is going to pull fart apps, the Nine Inch Nails app because it links to their message board that has "objectionable content" (aka cuss words) or all of the other apps that have been removed for bullshit reasons because they might offend someone, then this app needs to be removed from the App Store. Apple either needs to censor consistently or not censor at all.

I agree 100%

[Benjamin]

Do I think it should be allowed? Yes, I don't think Apple should censor the app store. They've done way too much of that lately and I disagree with it, and an uncensored app store would mean putting up with the crap I disagree with. It's like the old saying "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

Now...given the fact that Apple does censor the App Store, should it be allowed? Absolutely not. If Apple is going to pull fart apps, the Nine Inch Nails app because it links to their message board that has "objectionable content" (aka cuss words) or all of the other apps that have been removed for bullshit reasons because they might offend someone, then this app needs to be removed from the App Store. Apple either needs to censor consistently or not censor at all.

Can't disagree with that.


The simplest answer that I can give is that no, I do not believe that it's a choice to be gay. If you want me to explain my views more please tell me so.


Nah, that's good enough :lol:

[esaul17]

Anything that has the words "Anti" and "Homosexuality" has always got to have a connection to the word "Christian".

But never Islam. I mean, there is no such thing as a gay Muslim.

[Gloomy Mushroom]

I think the Bible is the only religious book that writes that homosexuality is forbidden.

[Jeff]

Unfortunately it's a double edged sword. One one hand, Apple shouldn't take it down, due to first amendment rights of being able to speak freely. But on the other hand, as Todd pointed out, Apple censors a lot of apps due to "inappropriate" content, and really should take into account that this targets a specific group of people in a negative way.

[deftonesfan867]

I think the Bible is the only religious book that writes that homosexuality is forbidden.

IIRC it's only in the old testament which if you believe in Jesus isn't supposed to bare any meaning in daily life anymore.

[Todd]

Unfortunately it's a double edged sword. One one hand, Apple shouldn't take it down, due to first amendment rights of being able to speak freely. But on the other hand, as Todd pointed out, Apple censors a lot of apps due to "inappropriate" content, and really should take into account that this targets a specific group of people in a negative way.

The thing about using the first amendment as an argument is that there are no first amendment rights here. Apple is a private business, they're free to censor as they wish.

[Gloomy Mushroom]

IIRC it's only in the old testament which you believe in Jesus isn't supposed to bare any meaning in daily life anymore.

But Judaism follows the Old Testament so that defies that statement.

[deftonesfan867]

Paranoid? Afraid you might catch "the gays?!"

Don't worry, there's an app for that.



Seriously though they have the right to make it even if we don't approve of it.


But Judaism follows the Old Testament so that defies that statement.

Jews don't believe Jesus was a messiah.

[Todd]

Jews don't believe Jesus was a messiah.

The OT was written before Jesus. The Torah contains the OT.

[deftonesfan867]

Oh I know. Was saying my statement is valid because the NT isn't followed in judaism.

[ThaHandyman]

As long as it has nothing blatently offensive, or any sort of violence, simply pointing out what can go wrong in a homosexual life style, there's nothing wrong with it.

[Ryo Hazuki]

As long as it has nothing blatently offensive, or any sort of violence, simply pointing out what can go wrong in a homosexual life style, there's nothing wrong with it.

What? The thought of thinking homosexuality is wrong and needs to be cured IS blatantly offensive.

[Dean]

What is there that can go wrong as a result of living a homosexual "lifestyle" that won't if you don't?

[Theazninvasion68]

I think Apple should be more consistent with their apps.

:)

[Harlz]

Let's see if an app dedicated to curing people of Christianity would be approved...

[Benjamin]

Let's see if an app dedicated to curing people of Christianity would be approved...

Win.

[Blackee Dammet]

It's all hype. The app isn't actually called "gay cure" that's just a name the people who want it banned made up for it to make it sound more sinister and ominous, when really it's just a bulletin board for some church group.

[ThaHandyman]

It's all hype. The app isn't actually called "gay cure" that's just a name the people who want it banned made up for it to make it sound more sinister and ominous, when really it's just a bulletin board for some church group.

This.

[Vriska]

Actually what I was trying to say is actually that I don't believe in "natural" as society defines it. I don't think people are born straight or gay, I take a pomosexual view about things and I really dislike labels there of of straight-bisexual or gay. I only use them because that is what society expects of me.

But yes you are correct as of right now I am having a bit of trouble articulating myself. Insomnia and depression have really been taking a toll on me lately, not that that's any excuse.

Marajuana is "natural" and so are black widow spiders and rattlesnakes. This whole "natural" thing is so uselessly defined it's a worthless concept.

:( hope you get to feel better soon, nonetheless.


Do I think it should be allowed? Yes, I don't think Apple should censor the app store. They've done way too much of that lately and I disagree with it, and an uncensored app store would mean putting up with the crap I disagree with. It's like the old saying "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

Now...given the fact that Apple does censor the App Store, should it be allowed? Absolutely not. If Apple is going to pull fart apps, the Nine Inch Nails app because it links to their message board that has "objectionable content" (aka cuss words) or all of the other apps that have been removed for bullshit reasons because they might offend someone, then this app needs to be removed from the App Store. Apple either needs to censor consistently or not censor at all.

This is exactly what I was going to post. Apple removed apps like Mark Fiore's (the political cartoonist, not the videographer) but now they don't extend it to this. Clearly, there's bias in their decisions, and that is the part that disgusts me.


IIRC it's only in the old testament which if you believe in Jesus isn't supposed to bare any meaning in daily life anymore.

That isn't clear.

Matthew 5:18-19
Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or tittle shall nowise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven.

Luke 16:17
It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.



Let's see if an app dedicated to curing people of Christianity would be approved...

I would purchase this.

[ThaHandyman]

Let's see if an app dedicated to curing people of Christianity would be approved...

I believe that would be hypocritical for anyone who defended the removal of the other app.

[Dean]

And if there was an anti-Christianity app and an anti-homosexuality app and one was banned while the other remained on sale, that would also be hypocritical.

[Ryo Hazuki]

Quick update.

The App has been removed, which going by Apples own guidelines was the right thing to do.

On the otherhand, Apple should cancel their censorship guidelines all together.

[Dedicated]

On the otherhand, Apple should cancel their censorship guidelines all together.

Yeah, I want nuddie apps!



On a more serious note, I completely agree with Todd's first post in this thread :)

[F-ck Casey]

Let's see if an app dedicated to curing people of Christianity would be approved...

Fourth Reich?

[Todd Jensen]

This is one touchy subject. I'm Christian. Let's just get that out of the way. In my opinion, I hate homosexuality. Who wants to sleep with another hairy, fat, disgusting dude? Instead of having a beautiful woman next to you? I'm mean, that's how I think. But not every dude is fat, hairy, and disgusting. But you get my point. In my eyes, I see it as wrong and disgusting. Although I'm not one of those Christians that forces things on people. Do whatever you want. Who am I to tell someone how to live thier life? But I disapprove of it. (Please remember this is my opinion. So please, don't start trolling me about how I need to change or something. Remember, to each his own.)

But anyway, to the question. Should they take it off? No. First Amendment says freedom of speech. And I bet there's a shitload of homosexual apps on there about how they should unite as one or something like that(not really sure). So why should Christians have to take off thiers? Hypocritical much? Apple really needs to decide to censor more efficiently or not at all.

[travz21]

I think it's pretty obvious all straight men hate the thought of spooning with another man. That's not the issue. The issue is people thinking homosexuality is wrong and trying to condemn those people who are.

[Ryo Hazuki]

This is one touchy subject. I'm Christian. Let's just get that out of the way. In my opinion, I hate homosexuality. Who wants to sleep with another hairy, fat, disgusting dude? Instead of having a beautiful woman next to you? I'm mean, that's how I think. But not every dude is fat, hairy, and disgusting. But you get my point. In my eyes, I see it as wrong and disgusting. Although I'm not one of those Christians that forces things on people. Do whatever you want. Who am I to tell someone how to live thier life? But I disapprove of it. (Please remember this is my opinion. So please, don't start trolling me about how I need to change or something. Remember, to each his own.)

But anyway, to the question. Should they take it off? No. First Amendment says freedom of speech. And I bet there's a shitload of homosexual apps on there about how they should unite as one or something like that(not really sure). So why should Christians have to take off thiers? Hypocritical much? Apple really needs to decide to censor more efficiently or not at all.

No, it's not hypocritical to have an app that tells one group to unite together if they're not discriminating against any other group. On the other hand the Exodus app is obviously against homosexuals. I think you need to look up what hypocritical means because the way that you use it here is just wrong. Also it's against Apple's guidelines to have any racist/discriminatory apps, which This Anti-Homosexual app is. Thus is should have been banned and it is now.

There's no "Anti-Heterosexual" or "Cure for Heterosexual" apps.

[Benjamin]

So please, don't start trolling me about how I need to change or something. Remember, to each his own.)


Sorry, not happening. To each not their own. How is discrimination to homosexuals any different than racism or any other types of prejudice? Or are you a racist too? Try walking in their shoes. Asking gay people to like girls is equivalent to asking you to date guys. It isn't a homosexual's choice to be who they are. They just are. Gay people, as black people, can make great contributions to the world just as much as anyone. And yet, parts of society like to bring them down and in some cases, result in suicide (see: Rutgers student last year).

I go through much effort to respect others' opinions...but anti-homosexuality is where I draw the line. Sorry. You sir, need to change.

[Ryo Hazuki]

Sorry, not happening. To each not their own. How is discrimination to homosexuals any different than racism or any other types of prejudice? Or are you a racist too? Try walking in their shoes. Asking gay people to like girls is equivalent to asking you to date guys. It isn't a homosexual's choice to be who they are. They just are. Gay people, as black people, can make great contributions to the world just as much as anyone. And yet, parts of society likes to bring them down and in some cases, result in suicide (see: Rutgers student last year).

I go through much effort to respect others opinions...but anti-homosexuality is where I draw the line. Sorry. You sir, need to change.

Well said, Sir.

[Dean]

Well, I think what Todd was basically much saying is that he doesn't like the idea of men having sex with each other but it's not his place to say they shouldn't, which is fair enough.

I agree that something promoting unity and such between gay people is not really the same as something that discriminates against them though. But I also agree with what he said about Apple's censorship.

[Ryo Hazuki]

I agree that Apple's censorship should be more consistent/or better yet they stopped censoring all together but he claimed that having a civil rights app that promotes positive views toward homosexuality is the same as having an app that clearly discriminates against homosexuals to support ones own personal bias and bigotry (disgust) and stated that that was hypocritical, which it is not. Especially given Apple's own rules and guidelines in their Apps Approval process. Thus that concluded in my understanding that he does not know what it is to be hypocritical.

[Benjamin]

I do agree that the app store should let go of their restrictions. In this case, some apps that shouldn't really be taken off will be able to exist, and some apps that are bad might also be out there. But if you don't like the app, don't buy it. Makes sense to me.

And I'm also okay with thinking that it's a bit strange to think of two men having sex. It's just the discrimination part that really irks me, as demonstrated above ^.

[Timothy]

But anyway, to the question. Should they take it off? No. First Amendment says freedom of speech. And I bet there's a shitload of homosexual apps on there about how they should unite as one or something like that(not really sure). So why should Christians have to take off thiers? Hypocritical much? Apple really needs to decide to censor more efficiently or not at all.

Is this a joke about docking?

[Theazninvasion68]

This is one touchy subject..

I know. I just said a few simple things and Kept it like that.

Though, As people say that people can be born as one, as far as I can remember in my research, only ~30% of homosexuality is linked to genes. So 60% due to unknown/uncertain factors.

edit:

But as dean/todd j said..

Well, I think what Todd was basically much saying is that he doesn't like the idea of men having sex with each other but it's not his place to say they shouldn't, which is fair enough.

[Todd Jensen]

Sorry, not happening. To each not their own. How is discrimination to homosexuals any different than racism or any other types of prejudice? Or are you a racist too? Try walking in their shoes. Asking gay people to like girls is equivalent to asking you to date guys. It isn't a homosexual's choice to be who they are. They just are. Gay people, as black people, can make great contributions to the world just as much as anyone. And yet, parts of society like to bring them down and in some cases, result in suicide (see: Rutgers student last year).

I go through much effort to respect others' opinions...but anti-homosexuality is where I draw the line. Sorry. You sir, need to change.

ok. I'm going to respect your opinion. You should respect mine. I never said homosexuals couldn't do anything, I just don't like the idea of two men being together. You tell me to change, but I won't. I'm not going to ask a homosexual to change. Like I said to each his own. Which is fair enough for EVERYONE. And no, I am not racist. Society can bring them down which is an unfortunate thing. I mean, I don't understand why people care if they are homosexual or not. Who cares? But that's how the world is. You know it's not just heterosexuals telling gays to change, homosexuals do it too. You might not hear it as harsh as straight people do but, they still do it. But there's some striaght people(like me) and gays that just say let each person live how they wanna live. But all I was saying is that I did not like the idea of 2 men being together. That's what I picture as wrong. You know you're telling me to change but, when we say you should change it's wrong? What's up with that?

And I don't hate homosexuals. But you think whatever man. To each his own. That's fair. I knew it was going to be a war in here when I posted, but I had hoped people would be mature enough to respect one another's opinions. And some do, and some don't. That's how it is.

[Benjamin]

And I don't hate homosexuals.

I hate homosexuality.

If you don't hate homosexuals, why do you have to go around saying you HATE homosexuality? These are the things that actual homosexuals see which makes them feel terrible about themselves. I don't agree with Christianity, but I don't go around saying I HATE it.

And of course homosexuality isn't genetic. That's silly. But it's still not a choice. Yes, the factors are unknown, but in no way do people choose to be gay.

[Ryo Hazuki]

If you don't hate homosexuals, why do you have to go around saying you HATE homosexuality? These are the things that actual homosexuals see which makes them feel terrible about themselves. I don't agree with Christianity, but I don't go around saying I HATE it.

And of course homosexuality isn't genetic. That's silly. But it's still not a choice. Yes, the factors are unknown, but in no way do people choose to be gay.

http://theness.com/neurologicablog/?p=3025

Another study that adds on to the pile of evidence that sexual preference is hardwired into the brain since birth. So, I say no, not a choice. Though if this is the same for humans I can just see some overly religious person using it against someone saying they have a "cure" for homosexuality... and yet then again, homosexuals could say that they could 'cure heterosexuality and it would make everyone bisexual.

Anyway, again, I'm of the Pomosexuals... So I already believe that most people can have relationships with either sex if not for their corroded social upbringings and religious beliefs/teachings.

[Blackee Dammet]

If you don't hate homosexuals, why do you have to go around saying you HATE homosexuality?

He's a Christian and is going on the "Hate the sin not the sinner" mentality.


These are the things that actual homosexuals see which makes them feel terrible about themselves. I don't agree with Christianity, but I don't go around saying I HATE it.

And of course homosexuality isn't genetic. That's silly. But it's still not a choice. Yes, the factors are unknown, but in no way do people choose to be gay.

I think the whole choice thing comes from Christians thinking nomming some pecker is a primitive instinct like wanting to kill someone, and that gays just decided not to suppress the urge.

But that's just my little interpretation from things they often say, I'm not a Christian and haven't really heard anyone give that analogy for it, just from what I can tell some might make a connection to.

[Theazninvasion68]

To the research article...


Unaltered males displayed a clear preference for engaging in mating behavior with females. But males that were blocked for serotonin displayed no preference

It's not clear if they meant no preference to females, or no preference to either gender.


The neuroscience question at this time is, how much of sexual preference is genetic vs epigenetic. Is it mostly in our genes, or is it in the hormonal environment of the womb. Of course, it is the genes that largely determines that environment, but genes are not the only factor, opening the door for epigenetic factors to trump genes for gender.

Don't forget, while the evidence is amounting up, it's only a strong correlation, but they haven't proven causation yet. Therefore, I'd like to see lots more experiments performed.


If the factors are unknown, then it certainly cannot be biological, nor by choice, because you said it!

We don't know yet! :lol:

edit: Methinks I ought to back outta this before some raging opinions start flying much quicker.

[Benjamin]

It's impossible with current technology to perform a study like this. With no studies, the next best thing is logic. Go up to any gay person and ask them if they chose to be in one of the most discriminated types of people in the world. Then report back.

The discrimination will never end until people realize that homosexuality isn't a choice.

[Dean]

http://www.stanfordu.edu/dept/news/pr/95/950310Arc5328.html

There's a good article. I'm not saying it irrefutably proves anything, but as it is going by what I do know I think it probably is biological as much as anything.

That said, I think it's safe to say it isn't a conscious choice and even if it was I don't think there'd be anything wrong with it morally. And sexuality is an inherent part of people, so society should hopefully at least learn to tolerate it even if they aren't in love with the idea.

[Todd Jensen]

He's a Christian and is going on the "Hate the sin not the sinner" mentality.

Exactly.

[Dean]

But when the "sin" is something like sexuality, how do you draw a line between condemning the sin and condemning the sinner?

[travz21]

Saying you hate homosexuality shouldn't offend anyone. It's not the same thing as hating the people. I hate all religion, but I don't hate the people that believe in it.

[Dean]

I'm not talking about just disliking homosexuality and I know no one in this thread necessarily has this viewpoint, but to me when people say it's is a sin and that because of that you shouldn't act on your sexuality, sometimes it's hard to distinguish between hating the sin and hating the sinner.

[travz21]

I didn't mean that post for you, sorry lol.

But I get what you're saying. And I don't think there is a difference when you state it that way. If people believe in "sins" and are religious, they probably hate both the sin and the sinner. But people like me don't have to hate sinners because a book tells me to. Someone can do bad things and I can judge them however I please. Plus I don't believe a lot of sins people commit are even bad anyways.

So I guess it depends on the person's morals and religion and all that stuff.

[ThaHandyman]

This is one touchy subject. I'm Christian. Let's just get that out of the way. In my opinion, I hate homosexuality. Who wants to sleep with another hairy, fat, disgusting dude? Instead of having a beautiful woman next to you? I'm mean, that's how I think. But not every dude is fat, hairy, and disgusting. But you get my point. In my eyes, I see it as wrong and disgusting. Although I'm not one of those Christians that forces things on people. Do whatever you want. Who am I to tell someone how to live thier life? But I disapprove of it. (Please remember this is my opinion. So please, don't start trolling me about how I need to change or something. Remember, to each his own.)

But anyway, to the question. Should they take it off? No. First Amendment says freedom of speech. And I bet there's a shitload of homosexual apps on there about how they should unite as one or something like that(not really sure). So why should Christians have to take off thiers? Hypocritical much? Apple really needs to decide to censor more efficiently or not at all.

I'd agree to most of this. Though as said earlier it's not even a "Gay Cure" app in the first place, so I guess this is now a homosexuality approval thread.

[OkamiSensei]

I'd agree to most of this. Though as said earlier it's not even a "Gay Cure" app in the first place, so I guess this is now a homosexuality approval thread.
Uh, what?
I don't quite understand how this is a "homosexuality approval thread". Everyone is discussing their opinion. It's a forum, after all. I'm not sure how (or why) you drew that conclusion. We might as well say that it's also a "homosexuality disapproval thread".

[Benjamin]

Here's the thing:

Things like Religion are choices people make. They chose to be religious or not religious. And if they chose religion, they chose which religion. Even if you get raised into a certain religion, you can chose to discontinue those beliefs when you grow up.

I dunno, it seems different to me to hate something that people have no control over, like homosexuality. But, as long as you truly don't judge people that happen to be gay, I'm satisfied (enough).

[Theazninvasion68]

But, as long as you truly don't judge people that happen to be gay, I'm satisfied (enough).

Bingo.

I'm right here on that. I might not approve of anything you are, believe, etc. But It's not my matters to judge you wrongly. So I won't, even if I might disagree with what you're doing. I think I keep a pretty good track with this ^_^

[Dean]

I didn't mean that post for you, sorry lol.

But I get what you're saying. And I don't think there is a difference when you state it that way. If people believe in "sins" and are religious, they probably hate both the sin and the sinner. But people like me don't have to hate sinners because a book tells me to. Someone can do bad things and I can judge them however I please. Plus I don't believe a lot of sins people commit are even bad anyways.

So I guess it depends on the person's morals and religion and all that stuff.
It's fine, I figured I should go into a bit more detail there anyway.

I think if someone commits theft for example, it's probably not that hard to hate the sin and not the sinner. You probably can when it's sexuality and things like that as well, but at the very least there's a much finer line between the two there.

It is a weird thing to call a sin though. It's one thing to not like it personally but I don't think there's anything morally wrong with it, whatever causes it. Even if someone just consciously decided they were only going to have relationships/sex with members of the same gender, whatever. It's just old values that have survived I guess.


I'd agree to most of this. Though as said earlier it's not even a "Gay Cure" app in the first place, so I guess this is now a homosexuality approval thread.
http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l7usysDiGO1qz51ako1_500.png

Seriously though, that's just the way the discussion has gone and it's not like anyone is still claiming that there's a gay cure app. If you want to disagree, disagree.

[AlexSR]

.....and Apple becomes a victim of its own ridiculous gate-keeper policies. Maybe the wider question is 'why do people buy a closed system, run by vertically integrated company that locks down it's sytems like this?'. I try to avoid apple because I like the be the person who decides what I am subjected to - if I want to buy something with swearing or 'objectional content' then I should be free to do so (not saying that IS what I want, but who are Apple to decide?).

In this case, I find the app mentioned disgraceful - but I don't need Apple to decide that for me one way or the other.....

[CM.]

Do you support homosexuality? < well sure, i dont care whatever or whoever you are, as long as your good to me ill be good to you
no matter what
Do you think that homosexuality is a disease/un-natural and do you think it is wrong< i dont think its a disease although i seen in a tv serie they said pedofile is disease lol not sure if it were true
facts though. anyway just mentioning it as i also found that weird, calling that a disease

i dont think its un natural as we are just who we are, if you like girls as a girl then so be it
i dont know who or what made you like that but you are still you, no one can change your soul
thats the beauty of it
brains says you wanna get down with a girl, then go for it. why feel unconfortuable if its your life and the other one wants it too

[arbiter]

I support homosexuality. I think its as natural as heterosexuality. I don't think its wrong. Regardless, the gay rights group have a big point. If Apple will not approve a racist app, then they shouldn't approve this app. It would be a double standard if they chose to approve this one. Logic should easily help them solve this dilemma.