AS THE WORLD TURNS - FANS PROTEST GAY DISCRIMINATION ON AS THE WORLD TURNS

FANS PROTEST GAY DISCRIMINATION ON AS THE WORLD TURNS

Fans of AS THE WORLD TURNS have launched a campaign against the U.S. soap opera, claiming the producers portray a pair of gay lovers differently than heterosexual couples on the show. In a recent Valentine's Day (14Feb08) episode of the show, gay couple Luke and Noah were the only two characters who didn't kiss - prompting fans to protest the restriction on physical contact between the pair, who have only been showed hugging since they got together last September (07). But Damon Romine of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Discrimination (GLAAD) has commended the show for its "thoughtful writing of both characters' individual journeys", noting that "Luke and Noah's relationship is the first gay male love story portrayed on daytime in 60 years". Jeannie Tharrington, a spokeswoman for As The World Turns, says, "Everybody at (the show) is committed to this groundbreaking story line. "(Since it started) we've heard from a lot of people - some of whom like it, some of whom don't. We want to tell the story the best way we can, and also want to be respectful of all the people who watch the show."