'Simpsons' Hits on Gay Marriage Issue
Conservatives criticize a recent episode for promoting homosexual marriage
The popular animated show "The Simpsons" has drawn controversial attention after airing an episode on homosexual marriage. Dubbed "There's Something About Marrying," this past Sunday's showing pressed on a divisive issue that has stirred up advocates and opponents of same-sex marriage.
Marge Simpson's sister Patty Bouvier came out of the closet, wanting to marry her girlfriend while Homer Simpson conducted same-sex marriages, which were legalized in Springfield in order to increase tourism.
Conservative groups including Parents Television Council criticized the episode, saying that it promotes gay marriage. L. Brent Bozell III, president of PTC stated, "At a time when the public mood is overwhelmingly against gay marriage, any show that promotes gay marriage is deliberately bucking the public mood." He added, "You've got a show watched by millions of children. Do children need to have gay marriage thrust in their faces as an issue?"
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Ed Vitagliano, a researcher for American Family Association said, "Even though 'The Simpsons' is generally kind of a wacky animated program, it was still very one-sided in its presentation on the issue of same-sex marriage."
Although a parental discretion advisory was made before the airing of the program, many pointed out the fact that children do watch the animated series and would be influenced by it.
FOX TV declined to comment.
