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Breaking News from America's Progressive Community... 1999
Releases
The press releases posted here have been provided to NewsCenter by the one of the many progressive organizations we have selected to participate. If you would like more information about this press release, you should contact the organization directly. |
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| FEBRUARY
10, 1999 1:20 PM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Human Rights Campaign |
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| HRC Blasts Jerry Falwell For Teletubbies Attack; Falwell Relies on Old Stereotypes In Bizarre "Outing" of Fictional Character | ||||
| WASHINGTON
- February 10 - Tinky Winky, a character in a childrens show, the
Teletubbies, was outed by former Moral Majority founder Jerry Falwell who
warned parents in the February edition of the National Liberty Journal that
the "technological baby" might be gay. The Teletubbies is a British childrens show that began airing on U.S. public television stations last
spring. The Teletubbies are played by actors in large, brightly colored costumes. They all have television screens on their tummies.
"Jerry Falwell's paranoia about gay people has reached a new and ludicrous high water mark," said HRC Communications Director David M. Smith. "As farcical as it might sound, Falwell's latest ranting has serious consequences. He continues to demean and insult gay people, which continues to foster a divisive environment in this country that sometimes leads to violence." Falwell justified his outing in his publication by claiming that Tinky Winky has the voice of a boy but carries a purse. "He is purple -- the gay-pride color; and his antenna is shaped like a triangle -- the gay-pride symbol." Falwell argues the "subtle depictions" are intentional and issued a statement Tuesday that said, "As a Christian I feel that role modeling the gay lifestyle is damaging to the moral lives of children." An Itsy Bitsy Entertainment Co., spokesperson, which licenses the Teletubbies in the United States, said the purse is actually Tinky Winky's magic bag. "The Human Rights Campaign assures the parents of the world that your children will not become gay due to the subversive effects of the color purple, triangles, and magic bags," said Smith. The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian and gay political organization, with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that lesbian and gay Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. -- 30 -- |
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