John Partridge and Carl Ferguson in last year's controversial kiss
There's been a lot of talk recently about the relative institutionalized homophobia of various religious groups, with a recent study showing that Muslims in the UK are less tolerant of homosexuality than Muslims in other parts of Europe.
Surprising, then, that the long-running Brit soap Eastenders has recently introduced a Muslim character that will turn out to be gay. Less surprising? Muslim groups ain't too chuffed about it.
Spoilery details follow...
Marc Elliot as Syed
The soap is set to out a character named Syed Masood, who arrived with a girlfriend but will soon fall for openly gay character Christian Clarke (John Partridge). Masood (who is played by Marc Elliot) will of course be conflicted about his feelings and his religious beliefs.
The Muslim Affairs Committee is upset about the choice, and has made a statement that the show should instead present a "normal,...
There's been a lot of talk recently about the relative institutionalized homophobia of various religious groups, with a recent study showing that Muslims in the UK are less tolerant of homosexuality than Muslims in other parts of Europe.
Surprising, then, that the long-running Brit soap Eastenders has recently introduced a Muslim character that will turn out to be gay. Less surprising? Muslim groups ain't too chuffed about it.
Spoilery details follow...
Marc Elliot as Syed
The soap is set to out a character named Syed Masood, who arrived with a girlfriend but will soon fall for openly gay character Christian Clarke (John Partridge). Masood (who is played by Marc Elliot) will of course be conflicted about his feelings and his religious beliefs.
The Muslim Affairs Committee is upset about the choice, and has made a statement that the show should instead present a "normal,...
- 5/29/2009
- by brian
- The Backlot
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 (more)...
- 10/9/2008
- by By Kris Green
- Digital Spy
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 (more)...
- 10/9/2008
- by By Kris Green
- Digital Spy
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