ThinkProgress Logo

LGBT

Apple Finally Removes Harmful Ex-Gay App From iTunes Store

It seems that Apple has finally responded to the nearly 150,000 petitioners and removed the harm-promoting Exodus International app from its iTunes store, as we reported on yesterday.

Apple has not yet released an official statement, but overnight, Truth Wins Out and Change.org claimed victory in their effort to have the “ex-gay” app rejected. Alan Chambers, President of Exodus International, confirmed the app’s demise via Twitter:

From the TWO press release:

Truth Wins Out and Change.org praised Apple today after the company removed a virulently anti-gay iPhone app launched by Exodus International that promoted “curing” gay people. The move came after 146,000 people signed a Truth Wins Out petition on Change.org calling on Apple to remove the app from iTunes.

“Apple made a wise and responsible decision to dump an offensive app that demonized gay and lesbian people,” said Wayne Besen, Executive Director of Truth Wins Out. “The real winners today are LGBT youth who are safer and less at risk for receiving Exodus’ malice and misinformation.”

“We’re thrilled that Apple has removed this ‘gay cure’ app from the iTunes store after more than 146,000 people signed this petition,” said Mike Jones, Editor at Change.org, the platform used by Truth Wins Out to launch the petition. “The message Apple is sending here is clear: there is no place for ‘ex-gay therapy’ on the Apple platform.”

State Marriage Watch: Court Denies Prop 8 Plaintiffs Request To Allow Marriages To Resume In California

Civil Unions made a big step forward in Colorado while same-sex marriage took a big step back in Indiana. That’s in today’s State Marriage Watch:

CALIFORNIA: The Ninth Circuit has denied a request to lift the stay on same-sex marriages while Proposition 8 is appealed.

- COLORADO: The Colorado Senate approved a second reading of SB 172, which would allow same-sex couples (or any two unmarried adults) to obtain a civil union. Meanwhile, the Colorado House approved a second reading of HB-1254, an anti-bullying bill for Colorado schools.

- DELAWARE: A bill has been introduced in the legislature to allow for civil unions, and Governor Markell has offered his support for the bill.

INDIANA: Indiana’s Senate Judiciary Committee voted 7-3 to move a same-sex marriage ban forward, despite a poll this week showing a plurality of Hoosiers oppose the ban.

- MARLYAND: Despite recent setbacks on the marriage equality bill, a bill that would prohibit discrimination based on gender identity passed out of the Government Operations Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee.

For a complete overview of the latest developments in the states click over to our comprehensive State Marriage Watch page.

Switch to Mobile
ThinkProgress Signup Overlay Skip and Continue to ThinkProgress Skip and Continue to ThinkProgress

Sign Up