Vimeo censors Christian group for videos on overcoming same-sex attraction
Another prominent video hosting site is cracking down on content supporting therapy for unwanted homosexual attraction, according to the California-based nonprofit Church United.
The group, which is dedicated to “equip(ping) pastors as culture-changers” via events in which they “hear high-profile leaders share about the current spiritual crisis,” revealed last week that on November 23 the website Vimeo notified Church United founder and pastor, Jim Domen, that the group had 24 hours to download copies of all 89 of its videos before the account would be permanently shut down.
At issue were five videos on the subject of Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE), particularly controversial California legislation that was withdrawn in August but would have banned virtually any form of treatment for unwanted same-sex attraction. The videos featured Dorman and other pastors, as well as personal stories from ex-homosexuals who attest that such change is possible with the right help.
“Your account has been removed by the Vimeo Staff for violating our Guidelines,” Vimeo’s message stated, on the grounds that the website “does not allow videos that harass, incite hatred, or include discriminatory or defamatory speech.”
“However, none of Church United’s videos do what Vimeo Staff claimed,” Church United said. “They only happen to share a different opinion on such matters.”
The group explained that it managed to preserve all 89 of its videos, but has been “adversely affected” by the permanent termination of its Vimeo account. The nonprofit’s staff “are now searching for a new host site, researching legal options with their attorneys, Tyler & Bursch, and looking into additional solutions,” it added.
Democrat Assemblyman Evan Low withdrew Assembly Bill 2943 citing meetings with concerned religious leaders but said he plans to introduce a revised version in the next legislative session. During the debate over the bill, the Christian ex-homosexual group Voice of the Voiceless called on Low to listen to those who argue from experience that reparative therapy is helpful rather than harassing.
“If AB 2943 were enacted as law when I was a young person, I would not have found hope in my life,” ex-gay Drew Berryessa has attested. “I stand here today as a man married for 15 years, with three beautiful daughters.”
With online censorship, a major issue in conservative, pro-life, and pro-family circles, the bulk of the conversation is focused on Facebook, Twitter, and Google-owned YouTube.
But Vimeo is no stranger to censorship controversies of its own. Last year, it threatened Pure Passion Ministries over similar ex-gay content that supposedly “incite(ed) hatred,” and deleted others upload of a Center for Medical Progress video on Planned Parenthood for supposedly being “malicious.” This summer, Vimeo was one of multiple online platforms to blacklist conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.
