Dr. Laura Asks Gays for Forgiveness
Oct. 11 -- Laura Schlessinger used the Jewish Yom Kippur holiday — the Day of Atonement — to apologize to gays and lesbians for “poorly chosen” words she said have been perceived as hate speech.
“On the Day of Atonement, Jews are commanded to seekforgiveness from people we have hurt,” the radio and TV talk showhost, who is Jewish, said in a newspaper ad. “I deeply regret thehurt this situation has caused the gay and lesbian community.”
The ad, in the form of a letter signed by Schlessinger, wasincluded in a special “Gay Hollywood” edition of the trade paperDaily Variety. The Wednesday issue examines progress by gays andlesbians in the entertainment industry.
Yom Kippur, during which Jews fast and seek forgiveness forsins, was Monday.
Critics Still Displeased
Schlessinger has been criticized by gay rights activists forreferring to homosexuality as a “biological error” and“deviant.” In March, she said she was sorry her radio commentshave hurt people.
Her words of contrition then and now failed to placate hercritics.
“Laura Schlessinger once again blames others for the impact ofher rhetoric, refusing to take responsibility for her preciselychosen, scientifically inaccurate descriptions of gay and lesbianlives,” said Joan M. Garry, executive director of the Gay &Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.
“The anger Schlessinger’s words have caused is too great andtoo profound to simply go away after a qualified admission of someguilt,” Garry said in a statement.
Incensed by her characterization of homosexuality, gay rightsactivists tried to stop television stations from broadcasting hernew Dr. Laura TV talk show, which debuted in September. In thecontroversy’s wake, several top advertisers dropped sponsorship ofthe show.
Although Schlessinger’s radio program is popular, her TV showhas earned lackluster ratings so far. Last month, production wasbriefly halted in order to retool the show.
Popular Reads
ABC News Live