For greater media professionalism and continued progressive role of Otv

During the OTV morning show ‘Yawm Jdeed’ on both the 20^th and 27^th February, 2009, Pastor Edgard Traboulsi stated the following:

1)       His review of scientific evidence on homosexuality resulted that homosexuality in the child is the parent’s fault in all cases, except for 1% which is due to genetic reasons.

2)       Homosexuals have 1000 times more sexual relations that non-homosexuals.

3)       Homosexuals will never go to heaven.

Both of the first two statements are in clear contradiction of current scientific evidence. The third statement is also in   contradiction to both humanistic values and Roman Catholic Church teachings, and the Vatican recognizes that “[…] men and women with homosexual tendencies must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided . They are called, like other Christians, to live the virtue of chastity. "

The pastor also hinted of a conspiracy by homosexuals to turn others into homosexuals as well. In addition, the presenter agreed with some of the pastor’s comments, as well as stated other misleading information.

This petition is drafted by individual members and supporters of the Free Patriotic Movement, who stand by the party's charter, including Charter Article 2: “[FPM] commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to all pertinent international charters and conventions, whose values and principles will act as guidelines to the Party’s goals and programs”. We recognize and appreciate the important role OTV has and will continue to have in the progression of Lebanese society and media professionalism, and we wish OTV and the society as a whole to live by the same principles.  

We the undersigned kindly ask the OTV Board of Directors, Program managers, and all others concerned, not to   invite guests to OTV programs who offer misleasing information to the viewing public, or whose statements are in contradiction to the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

This petition is open for signatures from OTV viewers and/or individual members and supporters of the Free Patriotic Movement, and the public at large.

Other statements/references:

A.        The Universal declaration of Human Rights states:

Article 1

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Article 2

Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

Article 3

Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

Article 12

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.

B.        The American Psychological Association states that:

"The research on homosexuality is very clear. Homosexuality is neither mental illness nor moral depravity. It is simply the way a minority of our population expresses human love and sexuality. Study after study documents the mental health of gay men and lesbians. Studies of judgment, stability, reliability, and social and vocational adaptiveness all show that gay men and lesbians function every bit as well as heterosexuals."

(Source: The American Psychological Association's Statement on Homosexuality, 1994)

C.        The Vatican states that:

Nonetheless, according to the teaching of the Church, men and women with homosexual tendencies “must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided”. They are called, like other Christians, to live the virtue of chastity. The homosexual inclination is however “objectively disordered” and homosexual practices are “sins gravely contrary to chastity”.

(Source: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20030731_homosexual-unions_en.html)

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