Jerry Falwell isn't able to keep up the struggle against those happy and cuddly creatures anymore. But an official in the Poland government picked up the cause today in his stead. The teletubby controversy was thought to have died along with the good Reverend, though that does not seem to be the case anymore.
From MSNBC:
In comments reminiscent of criticism by the late U.S. evangelist Jerry Falwell, she was quoted as saying: "I noticed (Tinky Winky) has a lady's purse, but I didn't realize he's a boy."
"At first I thought the purse would be a burden for this Teletubby ... Later I learned that this may have a homosexual undertone."
Poland's rightist government has upset human rights groups and drawn criticism within the European Union by apparent discrimination against homosexuals.
So this incident is not the first instance of anti-gay rhetoric out of Poland. It is interesting that a right leaning government would echo the sentiments of our own right leaning Administration and its backers in the religious right community. Other Polish officials in the Education ministry have promoted ideas of sacking teachers who "promote" the homosexual lifestyle. Or in more realistic and blunt terms, those educators that condone students being who they are without repressing their feelings.
The Speaker of the Parliament did speak out against Ewa Sowinska, warning that she may make her department a laughing stock. However, if the government allows anti-gay rhetoric in other areas, his statements may just be a case of trying not to have the agenda appear foolish. Regardless of his motives, a true consideration for sexual equality would start with cleaning up the government of anything that might seem to castigate the gay community.
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