Redding officials ban gay pride group’s screening of ‘Milk’ Record-Searchlight

Posted on June 19, 2009
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Redding officials won’t allow the Academy Award-winning movie “Milk” to be shown at a city-owned outdoor theater Friday as a part of a local celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month.

The showing was banned because “Milk” is an R-rated film.

“I think it’s common sense,” said Gerry Kersten, Redding’s director of support services. “If you’re going to show a movie anyone can see, obviously it needs to be appropriate for all ages.”

Mary St. John, director of community services for Planned Parenthood: Shasta Diablo, said she was disappointed in the decision made Wednesday, but she doesn’t think it was political pressure that led to the city’s order.

“It’s our mistake, really,” St. John said. “We were unaware of the city’s policy that says movies shown outdoors must be (rated) G.”

Kersten said the city was originally told by the organizers that the movie was to be a youth- or teen-friendly flick. It was only when city officials picked up the Wednesday’s Record Searchlight that they learned that the planned movie was the R-rated “Milk.”

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