US TV
Christian groups in row over 'SpongeBob'
Published Saturday, Jan 22 2005, 11:12 GMT | By Daniel Kilkelly
The makers of a children's video starring SpongeBob SquarePants and Barney have been accused of promoting homosexuality to children.
The music video was made by the We Are Family Foundation and is designed to encourage tolerance and diversity. It will be sent to over 61,000 US schools in March.
However, some Christian groups have complained that the cartoon characters have been exploited to promote acceptance of homosexuality.
"A short step beneath the surface reveals that one of the differences being celebrated is homosexuality," said Ed Vitagliano, writing for the American Family Association.
The video shows cartoon characters including SpongeBob, Barney, Winnie the Pooh, Bob the Builder, and the Rugrats singing 'We Are Family'.
Songwriter Nile Rodgers, who helped to set up the foundation, told Reuters, "That is so myopic and harsh. You have really got to look hard to find anything in this that is offensive to anyone. The last thing I am going to do is taint these characters."
SpongeBob SquarePants is a hit with children in the US and the UK. The Nickelodeon show follows a sea-sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea with his pet snail, Gary, and best friend, Patrick.
The music video was made by the We Are Family Foundation and is designed to encourage tolerance and diversity. It will be sent to over 61,000 US schools in March.
However, some Christian groups have complained that the cartoon characters have been exploited to promote acceptance of homosexuality.
"A short step beneath the surface reveals that one of the differences being celebrated is homosexuality," said Ed Vitagliano, writing for the American Family Association.
The video shows cartoon characters including SpongeBob, Barney, Winnie the Pooh, Bob the Builder, and the Rugrats singing 'We Are Family'.
Songwriter Nile Rodgers, who helped to set up the foundation, told Reuters, "That is so myopic and harsh. You have really got to look hard to find anything in this that is offensive to anyone. The last thing I am going to do is taint these characters."
SpongeBob SquarePants is a hit with children in the US and the UK. The Nickelodeon show follows a sea-sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea with his pet snail, Gary, and best friend, Patrick.
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