I have written several times on this blog about Apple's censorship of adult content, which often manifests itself in the type of "apps" that are allowed for use with their products. Not only does Apple regulate adult content it also attempts to regulate content that it believes may cause offense, and in spite of this company mandate, a recent app that promotes the conversation of gay individuals into straight ones or "freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus" was recently approved and has been on sale since February 15th. Not only was it approved, it was marked "4+" by the company, a grade that meant Apple judged it contained no objectionable content.
The app was created by the Florida-based Exodus International, a Christian group that describes itself as "the world's largest worldwide ministry to those struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction" It is the belief of this group that homosexuality is a "a multicausal, developmental issue and that any individual can experience freedom through the support of caring individuals and the healing power of Jesus Christ". So upset and outraged that this content was approved, over 146,000 people were inspired to sign a petition asking Apple to remove the app which is being referred to as the "gay cure" app. Apple listened and the app has finally been removed. Change.org has been behind much of the push to make Apple aware of the double standard in its practices. "Apple doesn't allow racist or anti-semitic apps in its app store, yet it gives the green light to an app targeting vulnerable LGBT youth with the message that their sexual orientation is a 'sin that will make your heart sick' and a 'counterfeit' While the app is not longer available, the ultimate future of it is unclear until Apple officially comments.To learn more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/mar/23/gay-cure-app-apple-iphone