Action Alert:  WQPT Fears So-Called "Moral Values" Voters, Won't Run Show Featuring Lesbians
Submitted by Alta Price, Democracy for the Quad Cities
 
WQPT won't run 'Buster' episode featuring lesbians

Moline's public television station, WQPT, has decided not to air an episode of a children's show that implies two families have lesbian moms.
 
 FAIR, a national media watch group, in an action alert on this issue writes:
 
[PBS chief operating officer] Wayne Godwin went on to claim the episode conflicted with PBS's purpose: "The presence of a couple headed by two mothers would not be appropriate curricular purpose that PBS should provide."
 
It's a disturbing view for the COO of PBS to hold, particularly since public television's mandate as set forth in the 1967 Carnegie Commission Report is to "provide a voice for groups in the community that may otherwise be unheard," to serve as "a forum for controversy and debate," and to broadcast programs that "help us see America whole, in all its diversity."
 
Take Action:   Contact WQPT
 
E-mail:  wqpt@bhc.edu
 
Call WQPT:  309/796-2424 or 800/747-2430

Fax:    309/796-2484    
 
WQPT is a great resource for our community. Susan McPeters has interviewed every guest Quad Citians Affirming Diversity has brought into the community in our efforts to help our community become more accepting of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) youth. But the media hype about the power of the “moral values” voters has made some elected officials, school board superintendents, and media folks afraid of crossing the anti-gay crowd. The vast, tolerant, moral majority in the Quad Cities needs to reassure WQPT that airing this program has the support of the community.
 
Be respectful. Assume they will change their mind. If you are a financial supporter of WQPT, mention that. Do not threaten to stop contributing. Point out that public TV is for everyone, including people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT). We want our children to understand and respect differences and learn to live in a multicultural society. At a time when one in three gay teens is threatened with a weapon while at school, we want to teach our children not to hate those who are different.

For comments, more information, or questions contact:
Alta Price, Democracy for the Quad Cities.