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by OnTopMag.com

A Mormon-owned NBC affiliate is standing firm on its decision to not air The New Normal, the much anticipated new sitcom from Glee creator Ryan Murphy.

Citing crude dialogue and offensive characterizations, Salt Lake City-based KSL-TV announced its decision last week.

The New Normal features a gay couple (played by Andrew Rannells and Justin Bartha) trying to start a family and the surrogate mother (Georgia King) who comes to their aid.

Gay rights groups reached out to executives at KSL-TV and its parent company Bonneville International. On Friday, the network released a statement affirming the contributions of all families, including LGBT families, and reiterating its decision to not broadcast the show.

"We appreciate the opportunity to meet today," KSL-TV said. "It was helpful to talk together, to better understand issues, and to be able to discuss the reasons behind our decision to not air The New Normal. This was not a decision we made lightly and it was not made because of any single issue including gay characters or LGBT families. As a communications company we make decisions every day regarding our programming and we made a decision to not broadcast this program because we feel it had a number of issues including sexually explicit content, demeaning dialogue and inciting stereotypes."

"We care about and value all members of our community, including LGBT people and their families, and are grateful when there can be the type of cordial and respectful dialogue we have had today."

Executives met with representatives from Equality Utah and Utah Pride.

Editor's Note: Bonneville International is owned by the Mormon Church and operates radio stations WDVR, WILV and WTMX (The Mix 101.9) in Chicago. 

Watch the pilot episode of the show at NBC. The series premieres September 11.


Article provided in partnership with On Top Magazine

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