The BBC has changed the title of its controversial forum topic 'Should homosexuals face
execution?” in
exchange for 'Should Uganda debate gay execution?'
The move comes after mounting pressure shamed the BBC into action.
But, prior to the amendment, BBC’s World Service
Africa Program editor David Stead defended the forum title and discussion. He said: "We
agree that it is a stark and challenging question, but think that it
accurately focuses on and illustrates the real issue at stake. If
Uganda's democratically elected MPs vote to proceed with the
Anti-Homosexuality Bill this week they will bring onto the statute book
legislation that could condemn people to death for some homosexual
activities.
"We published it alongside clear explanatory text
which gave the context of the bill itself. And as we said at the top of
our debate page, we accept it is a stark and disturbing question. But
this is the reality behind the bill. This issue has already sparked
much debate around the world and understandably led to us receiving
many emails and texts. We have sought to moderate these rigorously
while at the same time trying to reflect the varied and hugely diverse
views about homosexuality in Africa."
Senior political figures throughout the UK were quick to complain.
Liberal democrat Lynne Featherstone was one who wrote to
the BBC general director.
"I would be the first person to stand
up for open debate and free speech, but any conversation that starts
'should homosexuals face execution' is completely skewed and
unacceptable in this forum. Suggesting that the state-sponsored murder
of gay people is OK as a legitimate topic for debate is deeply
offensive. The BBC are only fanning the flames of hatred as many of the
comments demonstrate. They must act and apologize for their gross
insensitivity."
In total, 243 responses were made to the topic thread, although only 122 were published.
56 were rejected for being unsuitable, while 65 were still waiting for moderation at the time PinkPaper.com's story went live.