Google criticized for hosting 'gay conversion' app on Play Store
Google is facing flak for hosting a hate app offering 'conversion therapy' for LGBT youth on Play Store. The app, called 'Pray away the Gay', stigmatizes members of the community and encourages conversion by the way of prayer and therapy. An activist group, named Truth Wins Out, called out Google for hosting the app and started a petition for its removal. Here's more.
App compares homosexuality to 'sin', 'addiction'
According to the campaigners, the app, developed by US-based Christian group Living Hope Ministries, attacks lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender teenagers, and adults. It advises conversion by comparing homosexuality to 'addiction' and 'sin' and even calls gay men as 'sexually broken guys' living 'spiritually and physically harmful' lifestyles. Notably, the app even belittles transgenders by calling them people suffering from 'gender confusion'.
All other companies took quick action
The online petition calling for the removal of this app has received more than 38,000 signatures so far. However, the worrying bit is, Google is the only one dragging its foot in the matter, The Telegraph reported. All other tech giants hosting the app on their online stores were quick to take it down once the issue was flagged by the activist group.
Such hate apps can lead to self-destructive behavior
Google has not commented on the matter, but the activist group has stressed that programs like this can lead to "anxiety, depression, and self-destructive behavior", including suicide. As per Google Play data, the app has been downloaded a little over 1,000 times since entering the store four years ago. However, the petitioners claim its existence itself poses a major threat to vulnerable LGBT teenagers.
Comment from Living Hope Ministries' spokesman
"The claims made by Truth Wins Out are inaccurate and are not descriptive of our ministry or the free app that we offer or the other free services we provide individuals. We are a discipleship ministry that holds to a traditional, orthodox, understanding of Scripture."
