LONDON, July 6, 2007  –  Channel Four is guilty of double standards and bias – it doesn’t take homophobic language as seriously as racist language, said Peter Tatchell, spokesperson for LGBTI human rights group OutRage!

He was commenting on the Big Brother TV series controversy over the use of the word “poof” by housemate Laura.

Gays throughout the country are furious that public service broadcaster Channel Four appears to be taking no action over the homophobic slur.  GaydarRadio has received hundreds of comments from listeners and even ran a poll.

“Emily was evicted for using the [‘N’ word], but Laura received a mere ticking off for using the word poof.

“The context and manner in which both words were spoken was fairly similar.  They were not expressed in a hateful or angry way.  But Channel Four has responded very differently.

“Emily was ousted from the Big Brother house, while Laura is still inside – despite using the word poof not once, but three times.

“Channel Four is operating different rules for racism and homophobia.  It takes racial insults much more seriously.  This is probably because TV bosses know the black community is better organised and will kick up more of a fuss.

“They calculate that much of the gay community is weak, passive and complacent.  They think gays and lesbians will accept being subjected to different interpretations of the guidelines on offensive language.

“It is doubtful that Emily or Laura should have been disciplined.  Neither woman seems to have used these words in a deliberately abusive manner.  Context, tone and intention are crucial factors to consider when deciding whether the use of a particular word is prejudiced and deserving of punishment.

“The double-standards adopted by Channel Four prove that gay people are still treated as second class citizens.  Despite many positive advances in gay rights over recent years, the gay community is still not deemed worthy of the same treatment as our black brothers and sisters.  There is only one word for it: homophobia,” said Mr Tatchell.

GaydarRadio listeners have unanimously voted against the use of the word ‘poof’ by people that are not gay themselves.  Seventy-seven per cent said that the term was derogatory and should not be used by straight or homophobic people when referring to someone who is gay – or seemingly gay.

The results were conclusive.  Most listeners felt that the use of the word directly contributed to the negative attitudes towards gay and lesbian people.  There is a strong feeling that the word ‘poof’ is commonly used to bully or intimidate people and that the common usage of it perpetuates this derision.

“As our poll shows, homophobic language used in whatever context is unacceptable,” said Robin Crowley, GaydarRadio programme controller.

“I applaud Kevin Brennan’s [new Minister for Children] comments at the Stonewall Education for All Conference yesterday, regarding the unacceptable use of homophobic language in TV and radio.  The eradication of homophobic language in the media can only have a positive effect on society as a whole.

“As with racism, homophobia on any level is unacceptable.  As our poll shows, homophobic language used in whatever context is unacceptable.”

■  Channel 4 has been contacted for a statement regarding this article.  As of 15:30, none has been received.  Any statement from the broadcaster will, of course, be atted to this article if and when it arrives.

■  23:00 Update:  Laura was evicted from Big Brother house tonight by popular vote of viewers.