Ender’s Game author Orson Scott Card has made no effort to hide his beliefs when it comes to gay rights. An adamant opponent of gay marriage, he has made many public statements detailing his reasons for opposing same-sex unions and has also been active in the National Organization for Marriage. It looks like his firm stance has the potential to hurt Lionsgate’s upcoming adaptation of Card’s book, as multiple calls to boycott the November 1st film have popped up online from groups saying that paying to see the film is supporting Card, who also serves as a producer.
One such call came from the group Geeks OUT who says no matter how much you may have admired the books, you need to keep your money out of Card’s pocket. They also distributed a Card quote from 1990. Check out that quote below.
“Laws against homosexual behavior should remain on the books, not to be indiscriminately enforced against anyone who happens to be caught violating them, but to be used when necessary to send a clear message that those who flagrantly violate society’s regulation of sexual behavior cannot be permitted to remain as acceptable, equal citizens within that society”
In an effort to diffuse a potentially damaging situation, Lionsgate issued a press release detailing their pro-gay stance and making it very clear that even though they’re making a film out of something Card wrote, they don’t agree with his beliefs on the matter. Check out some of that statement below.
“As proud longtime supporters of the LGBT community, champions of films ranging from Gods and Monsters to The Perks of Being a Wallflowerand a company that is proud to have recognized same-sex unions and domestic partnerships within its employee benefits policies for many years, we obviously do not agree with the personal views of Orson Scott Card and those of the National Organization for Marriage… The simple fact is that neither the underlying book nor the film itself reflect these views in any way, shape or form. On the contrary, the film not only transports viewers to an entertaining and action-filled world, but it does so with positive and inspiring characters who ultimately deliver an ennobling and life-affirming message.”
Lionsgate is also planning a benefit premiere of the film supporting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered community.
While going to the film may indeed make Card a little richer, the story is in no way anti-gay. It’s simply about child soldiers in space, and it looks like it may be a very good movie. So while the intention of such a boycott may be good, I say if you want to see the movie, go ahead, and you won’t be disrespecting the gay community or making a political statement in any way.
What do you think of these boycotts? Are they the right way to show opposition to Card’s beliefs? How about Lionsgate’s handling of this situation for Ender’s Game? Share your thoughts on the matter in the comments section below.