Alabama Church to Show Arthur Gay Marriage Episode After Censorship

A church in Alabama is taking an inclusive stance, and bringing the cartoonArthur along with it.

Last month, Alabama Public Television chose not to air an episode of the show that depicts a same-sex (but cross species) marriage. Titled "Mr. Ratburn and the Special Someone," Mr. Ratburn, who is a rat and longtime teacher of the show's namesake, marries an aardvark named Patrick. At the time, executives for APT said that parents should choose whether they would like to expose their children to a same-sex wedding, and as many parents allow their children to watch without supervision, they felt that airing the episode would take away this choice. A network in Arkansas joined them in that decision. The incident warranted a comment from the creator of the show.

"I'm really proud of that episode," Marc Brown told People. "And I will defend it to anybody who wants to talk about it."

Well, at least one church has decided to be a part of the resistance.

In Birmingham, First United Methodist Church will host a free screening of the episode, welcoming people of all ages. They will turn the screening into a bit of a reception itself, boasting wedding cake and sparkling apple juice according to AL.com. The event was created in collaboration with Sidewalk Film Festival and Shout LGBTQ Film Festival.

"Weddings take places at churches all the time," Rachel Morgan, an organizer for the screening and creative director of both festivals, said. "So First Church seems like a perfect venue for the cartoon in my opinion." The event will join others like a screening on Magic City Acceptance Center, a center for LGBTQ+ youth, that have offered alternative venues for viewing the show.

Well, your move now Alabama Public Television!

RELATED | Arkansas Network Decides Not to Air Gay Wedding Episode of 'Arthur'