Gay Kiss Complaints
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Lets Talk UK :: Television :: Eastenders :: Present
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Gay Kiss Complaints
BBC soap EastEnders has received 145 complaints from viewers concerned about a gay kiss in Tuesday night's episode.
The scene which has been called into question saw Christian Clarke (John Partridge) and his new boyfriend Lee Thompson (Carl Ferguson) sharing a kiss on the bench in Albert Square's gardens. As Dot Cotton (June Brown) walked through the Square during their embrace, she reminded them that "the Lord’s not the only one with eyes".
Writing on the Points Of View message board, one viewer said: "I am appalled by the display of homosexual kissing before the watershed shown on EastEnders. This is disgraceful whilst young children are watching and sets the wrong example."
Another viewer said of the scene: "I had to explain to my seven-year-old son what was happening. He now thinks he is gay because he kisses his dad."
In a statement, the BBC defended its depiction of homosexual relationships, saying: "EastEnders aims to reflect real life, and this means including and telling stories about characters from many different backgrounds, faiths, religions and sexualities.
"We approach our portrayal of homosexual relationships in the same way as we do heterosexual relationships. In this instance, Christian is enjoying the first flush of romance and we've shown him being affectionate with his new boyfriend in the same way any couple would."
It continued: "We also aim to ensure that depictions of affection or sexuality between couples are suitable for pre-watershed viewing. We believe that the general tone and content of EastEnders is now widely recognised, meaning that parents can make an informed decision as to whether they want their children to watch."
At the beginning of the month, 110 people complained to the public broadcaster over its treatment of a recent Ramadan storyline, while the latest child abuse plot involving Tony King (Chris Coghill) and Whitney Dean (Shone McGarty) sparked over 200.
I'm not surprised there were complaints, people seem to want to complain about anything nowadays. But I cant understand why someone with a 7 year old would allow them to watch if there werent mature enough to know about homosexuality. My daughter is only just turned 8 and she has understood about gays and lesbians for a long time, and it never bothered her a jot.
The scene which has been called into question saw Christian Clarke (John Partridge) and his new boyfriend Lee Thompson (Carl Ferguson) sharing a kiss on the bench in Albert Square's gardens. As Dot Cotton (June Brown) walked through the Square during their embrace, she reminded them that "the Lord’s not the only one with eyes".
Writing on the Points Of View message board, one viewer said: "I am appalled by the display of homosexual kissing before the watershed shown on EastEnders. This is disgraceful whilst young children are watching and sets the wrong example."
Another viewer said of the scene: "I had to explain to my seven-year-old son what was happening. He now thinks he is gay because he kisses his dad."
In a statement, the BBC defended its depiction of homosexual relationships, saying: "EastEnders aims to reflect real life, and this means including and telling stories about characters from many different backgrounds, faiths, religions and sexualities.
"We approach our portrayal of homosexual relationships in the same way as we do heterosexual relationships. In this instance, Christian is enjoying the first flush of romance and we've shown him being affectionate with his new boyfriend in the same way any couple would."
It continued: "We also aim to ensure that depictions of affection or sexuality between couples are suitable for pre-watershed viewing. We believe that the general tone and content of EastEnders is now widely recognised, meaning that parents can make an informed decision as to whether they want their children to watch."
At the beginning of the month, 110 people complained to the public broadcaster over its treatment of a recent Ramadan storyline, while the latest child abuse plot involving Tony King (Chris Coghill) and Whitney Dean (Shone McGarty) sparked over 200.
I'm not surprised there were complaints, people seem to want to complain about anything nowadays. But I cant understand why someone with a 7 year old would allow them to watch if there werent mature enough to know about homosexuality. My daughter is only just turned 8 and she has understood about gays and lesbians for a long time, and it never bothered her a jot.
Last edited by Lou on Thu Oct 09, 2008 12:24 pm; edited 1 time in total
Re: Gay Kiss Complaints
The 7year old's mum has thoroughly confused her son, if he now thinks he is gay 'cos he kisses his dad. How ridiculous.
lulu- Elder Council
- Number of posts : 1897
Registration date : 2008-10-04
Re: Gay Kiss Complaints
I must admit I was totally taken aback by that comment, her explanation of homosexuality must have been awful for him to think he's gay
Re: Gay Kiss Complaints
EE showed the gay kisses to get a reaction and they did. Pretending to be disappointed with the great British public for being so intolerant, it's all an act.
HiJo- Wise Sage
- Number of posts : 3997
Registration date : 2008-07-21
Re: Gay Kiss Complaints
I find people's reaction to this fascinating. My husband walked through the living room as tonight's gay kiss was happening. He thought it was revolting. If it had been two women he would have enjoyed it. I would prefer to see two men kissing than beating the crap out of each other any day of the week.
lulu- Elder Council
- Number of posts : 1897
Registration date : 2008-10-04
Re: Gay Kiss Complaints
Such a typically male reaction, I've lost count of the amount of men who've said lesbianism is fine but they cant understand gay menlulu wrote: He thought it was revolting. If it had been two women he would have enjoyed it.
Re: Gay Kiss Complaints
I know what you mean, and we've had numerous discussions on the subject, he's a lovely man but I think that his workmates influence the way he thinks about some issues. I think that's the differences between the sexes, women seem to think for themselves more.
lulu- Elder Council
- Number of posts : 1897
Registration date : 2008-10-04
Re: Gay Kiss Complaints
Strange but true, isn't it? My husband doesn't mind gay men "as long as I don't have to see it". He didn't see the gay kisses but I know he would have been disgusted by it.
HiJo- Wise Sage
- Number of posts : 3997
Registration date : 2008-07-21
Lets Talk UK :: Television :: Eastenders :: Present
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