Menu
13/04/2012
Boris Johnson Pulls London Anti-Gay Bus Ads
Anti-gay adverts due to appear on London buses have been pulled by mayor Boris Johnson,
Details of the adverts commissioned by Core Issues Trust (CSI) came to public attention yesterday, within two hours Johnson had ordered transport chiefs to not run the ads.
CSI is a charity that funds ‘reparative therapy’ for gay Christians, the aim of which is to “develop their heterosexual potential”.
CSI’s leader, Mike Davidson, believes "homoerotic behaviour is sinful".
The campaign, due to read "Not gay! Post-gay, ex-gay and proud. Get over it!”, was also backed by Anglican Mainstream, a worldwide orthodox Anglican group whose supporters have equated homosexuality with alcoholism.
Johnson contacted the Guardian newspaper to announce he was stopping the adverts within two hours of their contents becoming public, said: "London is one of the most tolerant cities in the world and intolerant of intolerance. It is clearly offensive to suggest that being gay is an illness that someone recovers from and I am not prepared to have that suggestion driven around London on our buses."
The bus ad’s, which the Christian group insisted had been cleared with Transport for London (TfL), were a direct response to ad’s currently being run by gay rights group, Stonewall.
Stonewalls ads read: "Some people are gay. Get over it." The Christian groups used the same black, red and white colour scheme as Stonewall and in a statement announcing the campaign accused it of promoting the "false idea that there is indisputable scientific evidence that people are born gay".
Mike Davidson, CSI leader, said: "I didn't realise censorship was in place. We went through the correct channels and we were encouraged by the bus company to go through their procedures. They okayed it and now it has been pulled."
Ben Summerskill, the chief executive of Stonewall, said the adverts were "clearly homophobic" and added: "The only reason some gay people might want to stop being gay is because of the prejudice of the people who are publishing the ad.
Adding: "The promotion of this voodoo therapy is hugely irresponsible given the damage that it appears to do to some people."
Summerskill however said the advert should not be banned as he believed in freedom of speech.
(H)
Details of the adverts commissioned by Core Issues Trust (CSI) came to public attention yesterday, within two hours Johnson had ordered transport chiefs to not run the ads.
CSI is a charity that funds ‘reparative therapy’ for gay Christians, the aim of which is to “develop their heterosexual potential”.
CSI’s leader, Mike Davidson, believes "homoerotic behaviour is sinful".
The campaign, due to read "Not gay! Post-gay, ex-gay and proud. Get over it!”, was also backed by Anglican Mainstream, a worldwide orthodox Anglican group whose supporters have equated homosexuality with alcoholism.
Johnson contacted the Guardian newspaper to announce he was stopping the adverts within two hours of their contents becoming public, said: "London is one of the most tolerant cities in the world and intolerant of intolerance. It is clearly offensive to suggest that being gay is an illness that someone recovers from and I am not prepared to have that suggestion driven around London on our buses."
The bus ad’s, which the Christian group insisted had been cleared with Transport for London (TfL), were a direct response to ad’s currently being run by gay rights group, Stonewall.
Stonewalls ads read: "Some people are gay. Get over it." The Christian groups used the same black, red and white colour scheme as Stonewall and in a statement announcing the campaign accused it of promoting the "false idea that there is indisputable scientific evidence that people are born gay".
Mike Davidson, CSI leader, said: "I didn't realise censorship was in place. We went through the correct channels and we were encouraged by the bus company to go through their procedures. They okayed it and now it has been pulled."
Ben Summerskill, the chief executive of Stonewall, said the adverts were "clearly homophobic" and added: "The only reason some gay people might want to stop being gay is because of the prejudice of the people who are publishing the ad.
Adding: "The promotion of this voodoo therapy is hugely irresponsible given the damage that it appears to do to some people."
Summerskill however said the advert should not be banned as he believed in freedom of speech.
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 June 2012
Church Of England Warns Gay Marriage Threatens Institution
The Church of England has warned that government proposals for gay marriage would dilute an institution "vastly" important to a healthy society. It has also described the proposed legislation as "shallow", adding that government plans to open marriage to gay couples by 2015 could undermine its status as the state church.
Church Of England Warns Gay Marriage Threatens Institution
The Church of England has warned that government proposals for gay marriage would dilute an institution "vastly" important to a healthy society. It has also described the proposed legislation as "shallow", adding that government plans to open marriage to gay couples by 2015 could undermine its status as the state church.
03 July 2009
Met Police Service Out In Force To Support Pride
The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) will once again support Pride London by marching in this year's parade. Pride is a unique opportunity for the Met to build relationships with the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community who might not otherwise come into contact with the police.
Met Police Service Out In Force To Support Pride
The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) will once again support Pride London by marching in this year's parade. Pride is a unique opportunity for the Met to build relationships with the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community who might not otherwise come into contact with the police.
07 December 2012
Cameron Wants Gay Marriage In Churches
David Cameron wants churches in England and Wales to be allowed to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies. The Prime Minister said he did not want gay people to be "excluded from a great institution", but would not force religious groups to carry out the ceremonies. In the ongoing debate ministers are expected to response to a consultation next week.
Cameron Wants Gay Marriage In Churches
David Cameron wants churches in England and Wales to be allowed to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies. The Prime Minister said he did not want gay people to be "excluded from a great institution", but would not force religious groups to carry out the ceremonies. In the ongoing debate ministers are expected to response to a consultation next week.
03 March 2008
Man Arrested Over Manchester Murder
Police investigating the murder of a 25-year-old man in Manchester last week have arrested a 70-year-old man. Craig Douglas was walking along Canal Street in the city last Monday evening with another man, when they were involved in an argument with two other men. Mr Douglas was then stabbed in the neck with a small knife.
Man Arrested Over Manchester Murder
Police investigating the murder of a 25-year-old man in Manchester last week have arrested a 70-year-old man. Craig Douglas was walking along Canal Street in the city last Monday evening with another man, when they were involved in an argument with two other men. Mr Douglas was then stabbed in the neck with a small knife.
28 February 2013
'Gay Cure' Bus Ad Ban 'Deep Threat' To Democratic Freedom
The High Court has ruled the banning of a 'gay cure' bus ad was a "deep threat" to democratic freedoms. Christian group Core Issues Trust, which tries to help people overcome gay urges, created the advert.
'Gay Cure' Bus Ad Ban 'Deep Threat' To Democratic Freedom
The High Court has ruled the banning of a 'gay cure' bus ad was a "deep threat" to democratic freedoms. Christian group Core Issues Trust, which tries to help people overcome gay urges, created the advert.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
