Apple called on to pull 'gay cure' app from iTunes

San Francisco: Apple was under pressure to yank a so-called "gay cure"
application from its iTunes shop for software for iPhone, iPad, and
iPod devices.

More than 110,000 people had electronically signed an online petition
at a change.org website calling for Apple to remove the Exodus
International application from iTunes.

Exodus, a Florida-based Christian group that advocates freeing oneself
from homosexuality through religion, has publicly condemned the
petition as an assault on free speech and an improper spin on the
application's purpose.

The free software program links users to Exodus information including
videos, podcasts, a Twitter feed, and the group's page at social
networking service Facebook.

Exodus boasted at its website that Apple ranked its program as
containing "no objectionable material."

"This application is designed to be a useful resource for men, women,
parents, students, and ministry leaders," Exodus said.

"We hope to reach a broader demographic and readily provide
information that is crucial for many seeking hope and encouragement,"
the message continued.

The online petition picking up momentum on Monday expressed shock at
iTunes approving an app from "a notoriously anti-gay organization"
that used "scare tactics, misinformation, stereotypes and
distortions."

Exodus advocates "reparative therapy" to change the sexual orientation
of homosexuals.

"No objectionable content?" a message at the petition page at
change.org asked rhetorically. "We beg to differ. Exodus's message is
hateful and bigoted."