Artists back away from Superman and Boy Scouts due to anti-gay controversies
An illustrator for DC Comics says he will not work on a new Superman project due to controversy associated with one of its authors, Orson Scott Card. USA Today reports that artist Chris Sprouse released a statement saying:
”It took a lot of thought to come to this conclusion, but I’ve decided to step back as the artist on this story…. The media surrounding this story reached the point where it took away from the actual work, and that’s something I wasn’t comfortable with. My relationship with DC Comics remains as strong as ever and I look forward to my next project with them.”
Card is a successful science fiction writer who has a history of publicly stating his anti-gay beliefs. He also served as a board member of the infamous National Organization for Marriage, a political group that attempts to block of pro-gay marriage initiatives in the United States. Many articles and blog posts have been written recently about DC Comics’ controversial decision to hire Card as writer for the storyline about America’s iconic superhero.
DC Comics reportedly replied to Sprouse’s decision to leave the Superman project with understanding. Reports also indicate that publication of Orson Scott Card’s Superman contribution will be delayed until another artist can fill in for Sprouse.
In a separate boyhood-oriented controversy, The Boy Scouts of America‘s Jamboree seems to have lost its two headlining musical acts over that organization’s refusal to accept gay and lesbian scouts and scoutmasters.
“Call Me Maybe” singer Carly Rae Jepsen tweeted yesterday, March 5, that she would not be participating in the upcoming July event:
”As an artist who believes in equality for all people, I will not be participating in the Boy Scouts of America Jamboree this summer. I always have and will continue to support the LGBT community on a global level and stay informed on the ever changing landscape in the ongoing battle for gay rights in this country and across the globe.”
Her announcement follows a similar one made by the band Train last Friday:
”When we booked this show for the Boy Scouts of America we were not aware of any policy barring openly gay people from participation within the organization. Train strongly opposes any kind of policy that questions the equality of any American citizen. We have always seen the BSA as a great and noble organization. We look forward to participating in the Jamboree this summer, as long as they make the right decision before then.”
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