It looks like the pressure was too much for Apple as they have officially pulled the controversial Exodus International app from the app store. On Monday we told you about the heat Apple was taking from the gay-rights group Truth Wins Out who had started a petition on change.org to have the app removed. As that petition approached 150,000 signatures, Apple pulled the plug.
Exodus International President Alan chambers tweeted his reaction late last night:
@AlanMChambers
Alan ChambersIt’s official, the @ExodusInl App is no longer in the @AppStore. Incredibly disappointing. Watch out, it could happen to you. #freedom
17 hours ago via web · powered by @socialditto
Today, Wayne Besen of Truth Wins Out posted a press release to their website.
“Apple made a wise and responsible decision to dump an offensive app that demonized gay and lesbian people,” said 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.”
The group had said that the app was particularly dangerous because it relied on bunk science and research that claimed homosexuality is “curable.” Most respected medical associations such as the AMA and APA have all rejected “ex-gay” therapy saying it is not only ineffective, but potentially quite damaging to mental health.
Exodus’ app was not only offensive, but it relied on twisting legitimate research in its effort to dehumanize LGBT people. For example, Gary Remafedi, a researcher from the University of Minnesota, asked Apple earlier in the week to remove Exodus International’s app from its online store because he claimed it grossly distorted his work.
It is not an issue of free speech, but false speech say John Becker, TWO’s Director of Communications. He didn’t mince words in a statement:
“Exodus may pose as the victim, but they are a victimizer that has left a trail of shattered lives and broken families. We are grateful that Exodus has lost at least one platform with which to disperse its dangerous message.”
Truth Wins Out wasn’t the only group pressuring Apple to pull apps this week. U.S. Senators have also called on the company to remove apps that alert users to DUI checkpoints.