US drive-in dumps Beauty and the Beast over gay character
A US drive-in has dropped its planned screenings of Beauty and the Beast because of the film’s gay content.
The Henagar Drive-In in rural Alabama criticised Disney for deciding to “force their views on us” by including what director Bill Condon has told Attitude Magazine is an “exclusively gay moment” in the film.
Josh Gad, whose character Le Fou struggles with his sexuality throughout the film, said it was a shame the twist had been revealed, adding: “I hope that it’s a surprise to audiences to some extent.”
The Alabaman company made the announcement today on its Facebook page, informing followers that the new ownership had decided “with great sorrow” to not show the film.
“We all make choices and I am making mine,” continued the post on the page belonging to the drive-in, which is owned by Alabama native Lanita Price.
“For those that do not know, Beauty and the Beast is ‘premiering’ their first homosexual character. The producer also says at the end of the movie ‘there will be a surprise for same-sex couples’.”
Apparently the drive-in’s owners had not previously noticed the clear sexual overtones between Gaston and Le Fou.
The message continues: “If we can not take our 11-year-old granddaughter and 8-year-old grandson to see a movie we have no business watching it.”
“If I can’t sit through a movie with God or Jesus sitting by me then we have no business showing it.
“I know there will be some that do not agree with this decision. That’s fine.”
The post’s writer was proved correct, because even though the decision was received positively by most of the page’s followers, those who have objected have not held back.
The post concludes by telling fans: “We are first and foremost Christians. We will not compromise on what the Bible teaches.
“We will continue to show family oriented films so you can feel free to come watch wholesome movies without worrying about sex, nudity, homosexuality and foul language.”
The flaw in this logic is expertly identified by the sharp-eyed commenter below.
Here is the full post on the drive-in’s page:
