Tour says it is not discriminating against Weir

[WillParkinson]

Tour says it is not discriminating against Weir
By The Associated Press
03.16.2010 9:31am EDT

Claims that Olympian Johnny Weir was not included in the “Stars on Ice” cast because of his sexual orientation are not true, the figure skating tour said.

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation started an online petition last week, saying Weir was being excluded from the tour because he was not “family friendly.” Weir has repeatedly avoided questions about his sexual orientation, saying people shouldn’t be defined by labels.

“We are disappointed that there is untrue and inaccurate information being disseminated,” Stars, which is sponsored by Smucker’s, said in a statement. “Please be assured that the `gender identity and sexual orientation’ of cast members has never been a consideration in the selection of tour performers.”

Weir, a three-time U.S. champion, is one of figure skating’s most colorful and oversized personalities, and his popularity soared after his sixth-place finish at the Vancouver Olympics. Tara Modlin, Weir’s agent, said she approached Stars about adding Weir to the cast and was told “not this year.”

More: http://www.365gay.com/news/tour-says-it-is-not-discriminating-against-weir/

[joeybee12]

1. With a name like Smuckers...

...they gotta be liars.

Yeah, I buy their worthless "denial."

[Berry Cool]

2. Maybe, but how much proof is there that they are doing what they've been accused of?

Do we assume they're guilty just because they're a corporation?

Or because they donate to Republicans?

Do we take GLAAD at their word?

Or do we look for more evidence of what they claim?

[joeybee12]

3. We've got a corporation run by a Christian fundamentalist, versus

an agent who said she was told "not this year." Given they way sportscatser treated Johnny at the Olympics I've got enough evidence. Sorry, you picked the wrong forum to justify homophobia...you'll find more support in GD.

[mitchtv]

4. I tend to believe GLAAD

although the republican connection you mentioned is by far enough. You can smell homophobia

[Smashcut]

5. Gosh, their placement of "gender identity and sexual orientation" in RW condescension quotes

makes their denial so much more credible, doesn't it?