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EastEndersââ¬â¢ gay kiss prompts complaints
EastEnders gay kiss
The BBC has received 150 complaints after broadcasting a gay kiss
"The broadcaster commented: "In this instance, Christian is enjoying the first flush of romance and we've shown him being affectionate with his new boyfriend in the same way any couple would."
The kiss was between one of the regular cast members Christian Clarke, played by John Partridge and his new boyfriend Lee Thompson, played by Carl Ferguson.
Of the 150 complaints, many focused on the fact that the kiss was broadcast pre-watershed. One person posted on the BBC Messageboard: “I am appalled by the display of homosexual kissing before the watershed shown on EastEnders,”
Another viewer said:
"I had to explain to my seven-year-old son what was happening. He now thinks he is gay because he kisses his dad."
However, the BBC has rejected the complaints and confirmed that the corporation’s portrayal of homosexual relationships is, and will continue to be, exactly the same as their portryal of heterosexual relationships. The broadcaster commented:
"In this instance, Christian is enjoying the first flush of romance and we've shown him being affectionate with his new boyfriend in the same way any couple would.
"We also aim to ensure that depictions of affection or sexuality between couples are suitable for pre-watershed viewing.
"We believe that the general tone and content of EastEnders is now widely recognised, meaning that parents can make an informed decision as to whether they want their children to watch."
EastEnders saw its first gay kiss in 1987, which when aired attracted 17 million viewers and a huge number of complaints. Britain’s biggest newspaper The Sun was outraged and questions of morality were raised in parliament.
21 years on and recent depiction of gay characters in soaps like EastEnders, Hollyoaks and Neighbours are still attracting controversy.
