Well, when we say “admits it was wrong” we mean “reshot a video that was spouting lies after receiving a cease and desist letter from GLSEN.”
Either way, it’s still a win!
A “documentary” by the organization had alleged that the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network was printing how-to guides on gay sex and hookups. Bloggers disproved the tale. And GLSEN fought back by sending a cease-and-desist letter threatening legal action if the video wasn’t removed from YouTube and no longer sold via FRC’s website.
Since then, it appears the original was scrapped by FRC earlier this week. The audio for the YouTube video has been replaced with music, and a red box overlaid on top of the video asks readers to “Click here to view updated video: Does GLSEN Really Keep Kids ‘Safe?”
So what’s in the new video? Is it any better?
Not really, but the fact that they had to abandon the first one and tread lightly in the second one definitely constitutes a victory, even if a small one:
The new video starts in Washington, D.C., with a revised introduction from Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council. The phrasing walks a careful line to avoid pretending GLSEN printed and distributed the “Little Black Book” pamphlet, which is actually a guidebook for people over the age of 18 created by the AIDS Action Committee to help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Eliza Byard said GLSEN has been successful in convincing groups like FRC to stop repeating false statements in public, but Byard can remember only a couple instances when any product was revised.
“This is a big one,” she said. “They actually reshot the video — they had to go back to the old tired stuff.”
Congrats, GLSEN! We love you guys!
We wish the hurtful ignorance of groups like those would go away, but until then (if ever) we’re so glad to have you on our side!
In fact:
CLICK HERE to find out how YOU can support GLSEN and enjoy some awesome music this weekend!!!
CLICK HERE to find out how YOU can support GLSEN and enjoy some awesome music this weekend!!!
[Image via AP Images.]