GLAAD Call to Action for CNN “Ex-gay” Segmen
GLAAD Call to Action for CNN “Ex-gay” Segment
By Julie Bolcer
GLAAD issued a “call to action” Wednesday to urge viewers to contact CNN over the cable news network’s segment that featured discredited “ex-gay” therapist Richard Cohen.
On Tuesday, CNN host Kyra Phillips conducted a segment in which she interviewed Cohen and posed the question, “Homosexuality: Is it a problem in need of a cure?” Also included in the piece was California assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal, the sponsor of a bill to repeal an archaic law that encourages the state to look into the question of gay “cures.”
In its call to action, GLAAD said it was invited to explain its position on CNN Wednesday, but the segment was canceled.
“After extensive conversations with CNN producers and publicity representatives yesterday afternoon and following our blog and twitter action, CNN called GLAAD in the evening, telling us they had received numerous complaints about the segment and inviting us to appear on this morning’s broadcast with Kyra Phillips to discuss our concerns. GLAAD then scheduled a representative to go on CNN but received a phone call from the network at 7 A.M. today telling us they had decided to cancel the segment. They also issued this statement:
“By bringing this story to the fore, we engage various advocates from all sides. This story does not end here and CNN will continue to explore other views and positions.” —CNN
Just like the segment itself, CNN’s statement misses the mark and provides no explanation for its actions. GLAAD urges you to help us hold the network accountable.”
Find the full call to action here.
The controversial segment appears below.
On Tuesday, CNN host Kyra Phillips conducted a segment in which she interviewed Cohen and posed the question, “Homosexuality: Is it a problem in need of a cure?” Also included in the piece was California assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal, the sponsor of a bill to repeal an archaic law that encourages the state to look into the question of gay “cures.”
In its call to action, GLAAD said it was invited to explain its position on CNN Wednesday, but the segment was canceled.
“After extensive conversations with CNN producers and publicity representatives yesterday afternoon and following our blog and twitter action, CNN called GLAAD in the evening, telling us they had received numerous complaints about the segment and inviting us to appear on this morning’s broadcast with Kyra Phillips to discuss our concerns. GLAAD then scheduled a representative to go on CNN but received a phone call from the network at 7 A.M. today telling us they had decided to cancel the segment. They also issued this statement:
“By bringing this story to the fore, we engage various advocates from all sides. This story does not end here and CNN will continue to explore other views and positions.” —CNN
Just like the segment itself, CNN’s statement misses the mark and provides no explanation for its actions. GLAAD urges you to help us hold the network accountable.”
Find the full call to action here.
The controversial segment appears below.
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