Lionsgate Responds To Gay 'Ender's Game' Boycott

As Geeks OUT continues its boycott of the movie adaptation of seriously anti-gay author Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game, production company Lionsgate Entertainment has written its own response.

"We obviously do not agree with the personal views of Orson Scott Card and those of the National Organization for Marriage," the company says after pointing out it previously released the gay films Gods and Monsters and The Perks of Being a Wallflower. The letter, published in the New York Times, also notes that Lionsgates's employment benefits include same-sex couples. But these issues, it says, are "irrelevant," because Ender's Game isn't about LGBT rights.

"...They are completely irrelevant to a discussion of Ender's Game. The simple fact is that neither the underlying book nor the film itself reflect these views in any way, shape or form. On the contrary, the film not only transports viewers to an entertaining and action-filled world, but it does so with positive and inspiring characters who ultimately deliver an ennobling and life-affirming message."

They conclude, "Lionsgate will continue its longstanding commitment to the LGBT community by exploring new ways we can support LGBT causes and, as part of this ongoing process, will host a benefit premiere for 'Ender's Game.'"

So, a benefit to combat a boycott... Consider the stakes raised.