'Ender's Game' Controversy: Lionsgate 'Obviously Does Not Agree' With Author

In an effort to quell the brewing controversy over a potential boycott of "Ender's Game" because of anti-gay-marriage statements by creator Orson Scott Card, the film's distributor, Lionsgate, issued a public statement Friday (July 12), announcing, among other things, a plan to host a premiere which will benefit LGBT causes.
"As proud longtime supporters of the LGBT community, champions of films ranging from 'Gods and Monsters' to 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' and a company that is proud to have recognized same-sex unions and domestic partnerships within its employee benefits policies for many years, we obviously do not agree with the personal views of Orson Scott Card and those of the National Organization for Marriage," Lionsgate said in a statement. "However, they are completely irrelevant to a discussion of Ender's Game."

Ender's Game

The company's statement comes after Card's, which he released earlier this week. Following the June 26 Supreme Court ruling that the Defense of Marriage Act was unconstitutional, Card commented, " 'Ender's Game' is set more than a century in the future and has nothing to do with political issues that did not exist when the book was written in 1984. With the recent Supreme Court ruling, the gay marriage issue becomes moot. The Full Faith and Credit clause of the Constitution will, sooner or later, give legal force in every state to any marriage contract recognized by any other state. Now it will be interesting to see whether the victorious proponents of gay marriage will show tolerance toward those who disagreed with them when the issue was still in dispute."
In its statement, Lionsgate further highlighted the film's humanistic bent and announced plans for the benefit screening, although specific details about a time and place for it are yet unrevealed. "The simple fact is that neither the underlying book nor the film itself reflect these views in any way, shape or form," the statement continued. "On the contrary, the film not only transports viewers to an entertaining and action-filled world, but it does so with positive and inspiring characters who ultimately deliver an ennobling and life-affirming message.
"Lionsgate will continue its longstanding commitment to the LGBT community by exploring new ways we can support LGBT causes," it concluded. "And, as part of this ongoing process, will host a benefit premiere for 'Ender's Game.' "