Petition to ban ‘gay cure’ iPhone app

A petition has been started to ban a ‘gay cure’ group’s iPhone app.

Christian group Exodus International claims that people can find “freedom from homosexuality” through prayer and practises conversion therapy.

Its iPhone app, which is free and available in the iTunes store, is “designed to be a useful resource for men, women, parents, students, and ministry leaders”.

It has received a 4+ rating from Apple, meaning it is deemed to have no objectionable content.

More than 6,500 people have signed a Change.org petition to call on Apple to remove it.

The campaign, started by Truth Wins Out, says: “Exodus’ message is hateful and bigoted.

“[They] use scare tactics, misinformation, stereotypes and distortions of LGBT life to recruit clients. They endorse the use of so-called ‘reparative therapy’ to ‘change’ the sexual orientation of their clients, despite the fact that this form of ‘therapy’ has been rejected by every major professional medical organisation.”

The campaign adds: “Apple doesn’t allow racist or anti-Semitic apps in its app store, yet it gives the green light to an app targeting vulnerable LGBT youth with the message that their sexual orientation is a ‘sin that will make your heart sick’ and a ‘counterfeit’. This is a double standard that has the potential for devastating consequences.”

In November, Apple removed the anti-gay Manhattan Declaration app from its iTunes store after LGBT customers complained.

Exodus International says it has “over 35 years of ministry experience…committed to encouraging, educating and equipping the Body of Christ to address the issue of homosexuality with grace and truth.”