The Simpsons - Gay Rights Advocates Slam The Simpsons Over 'Homophobic Slur'

Gay rights advocates have slammed long-running TV cartoon THE SIMPSONS after one of the show's popular characters made a homophobic comment.

The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) have spoken out against the use of the phrase "that's so gay" which was used in a recent Halloween episode aired in the U.S. last week (begs24Oct08).

The comment was made by Nelson Muntz, voiced by Nancy Cartwright, who bullies the series' character Milhouse Van Houten.

GLSEN bosses have demanded that the show's scriptwriters halt any further use of the comment - insisting the negative interpretation of being gay offends homosexuals.

In a statement released to TMZ.com, they say, "Nelson's use of 'that's so gay' in a negative way is not surprising considering that 90 per cent of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth say they hear the term used this way frequently or often at school.

"Nelson should visit ThinkB4YouSpeak.com where he can send an apologetic e-card to Milhouse. GLSEN would also welcome Nelson's participation in our next PSA so he can make amends by helping to educate young people about why such language is wrong."

A spokesperson for the show has not commented as WENN goes to press.