Gays are not welcome
A bizarre move by Blizzard could result in all out scandal. In an age where sexual orientation, colour, or creed are more widely accepted in society, Blizzard seem to have buried their heads firmly up the backsides of a 1970's anti-gay protestor.
According to In Newsweekly, Sara Andrews received an email from Blizzard under the title "Harassment - Sexual Orientation", Sara had wanted to set up a gay friendly guild and had advertised via the chat channels. Blizzard now promises to ban any players actively advertising for such guilds.
Sara emailed Blizzard and received the following response,
"While we appreciate and understand your point of view, we do feel that the advertisement of a 'GLBT friendly' guild is very likely to result in harassment for players that may not have existed otherwise. If you will look at our policy, you will notice the suggested penalty for violating the Sexual Orientation Harassment Policy is to 'be temporarily suspended from the game.' However, as there was clearly no malicious intent on your part, this penalty was reduced to a warning." Just a warning, that's nice of them.
It's hard to understand the reasoning behind such a measure. Are there bands of gay lipstick-wearing male dwarves wandering around with handbags over their shoulders, dressed up to the nines, sexually harassing the poor gnomes of WOW? Just like that statement is wrong to suggest that all gay males adopt a girlie persona , surely it's wrong of Blizzard to suggest that gay guilds will cause sexual harassment to other members.
Other gay guilds are in the process of airing their views to Blizzard, it would be wise for them to lighten up on the whole issue, before a simple solution turns into front page headlines.
The original story was posted on 'In Newsweekly'.
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There should be freedom of choice, I don't see what the problem is with letting them set up a gay or lesbian guild -God even I'll join the lesbian one.
The setting up of a gay guild is *not* the problem. They have been there since day one of WoW. Blizzard has no problem with these.
Its the advertising that the guild were doing that is the problem. If people were advertising a 'straight' guide, they would also receive a warning / ban. They have *not* singled out just gay people.
Its in the T&C. Everyone in the game has to abide by them, gay or not.
Your turning this story into something its not Steve.Quote
"Topics related to sensitive real-world subjects - such as religious, sexual, or political preference, for example - have had a tendency to result in communication between players that often breaks down into harassment."
This is the reason they gave Ferrago for banning advertising of gay guilds, there just seems to be a total lack of consistency, if what ^^^Kate said is true.Quote
Ferrago received this comment from Blizzard
"Topics related to sensitive real-world subjects - such as religious, sexual, or political preference, for example - have had a tendency to result in communication between players that often breaks down into harassment."
This is the reason they gave Ferrago for banning advertising of gay guilds, there just seems to be a total lack of consistency, if what ^^^Kate said is true.
Questioning the consistency of Blizzard is one thing though, comments like "Blizzard seem to have buried their heads firmly up the backsides of a 1970's anti-gay protestor. " is another.Quote
Questioning the consistency of Blizzard is one thing though, comments like "Blizzard seem to have buried their heads firmly up the backsides of a 1970's anti-gay protestor. " is another.
That's what I think, certain subjects regarding freedom of speech and people's rights I feel strongly about, I don't apologise for writing that statement, but I do understand if it upsets you.Quote
That's what I think, certain subjects regarding freedom of speech and people's rights I feel strongly about, I don't apologise for writing that statement, but I do understand if it upsets you.
What gives you the impression im upset?
I believe strongly in freedom of speech too, but it doesn’t alter the fact that the story is seems to be erroneous.
In the first post you say: “A shocking move by Blizzard - no gays for us thanks.” A shocking post for sure, but I am unable to find any information on where Blizzard has said that gays are not allowed.
In fact, a quick search still shows gay communities playing WoW fine, and im unable to find any references to where Blizzard has *specifically* targeted the gay communities within WoW.
If you can provide links or references to this, id be grateful.Quote
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