Washington, D.C. -
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is pushing a new petition against CNN, saying the news network is wrong to bring in guests from the "anti-gay industry" for "balance."
Like all cable news channels, CNN often books people from anti-gay groups like the Family Research Council, which the Southern Poverty Law Center identifies as a hate group, when doing segments on gay marriage and "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
GLAAD said these guests are not qualified, and that bringing them in is like bringing in the Klan to talk about African American issues.
The gay rights advocacy group cited a recent John King, USA segment as an example where Peter Sprigg of the Family Research Council had been invited to discuss the military gay ban.
"The media is saying that people like [gay soldiers], who can speak to real-life experience and firsthand facts, need to be 'balanced' by people like [Family Research Council senior fellow] Peter Sprigg, whose claim to fame is arguing that being gay should be outlawed. If CNN wants to interview a gay person who believes being straight should be outlawed, then Peter Sprigg would be an acceptable 'balance,'" GLAAD said in a statement.
In a statement CNN told Media Bistro: "CNN appreciates GLAAD's concern for objective and fair reporting. CNN will continue to strive for the best bookings of experts who have opinions that reflect different points of view across the country."
Like all cable news channels, CNN often books people from anti-gay groups like the Family Research Council, which the Southern Poverty Law Center identifies as a hate group, when doing segments on gay marriage and "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
GLAAD said these guests are not qualified, and that bringing them in is like bringing in the Klan to talk about African American issues.
The gay rights advocacy group cited a recent John King, USA segment as an example where Peter Sprigg of the Family Research Council had been invited to discuss the military gay ban.
"The media is saying that people like [gay soldiers], who can speak to real-life experience and firsthand facts, need to be 'balanced' by people like [Family Research Council senior fellow] Peter Sprigg, whose claim to fame is arguing that being gay should be outlawed. If CNN wants to interview a gay person who believes being straight should be outlawed, then Peter Sprigg would be an acceptable 'balance,'" GLAAD said in a statement.
In a statement CNN told Media Bistro: "CNN appreciates GLAAD's concern for objective and fair reporting. CNN will continue to strive for the best bookings of experts who have opinions that reflect different points of view across the country."
