Gay Hockey Couple Flick Takes Heat

By Kevin Jackson, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Breakfast with Scot, a movie about two homosexual men, one who is a former Toronto Maple Leafs hockey player, is being campaigned against by opposing Christian groups before it has even finished filming.

The movie tells the story of the couple’s experience in raising an 11-year-old son, and has been allowed to use the Maple Leaf’s name and logo in the production - a first time for an openly gay film – leading to numerous objections.

Leading the protest is former homosexual and current Christian activist James Hartline, who criticized the NHL for their support of the movie. In a statement, he noted that the league is “promoting homosexualization of small children” and “becoming a willing partner with the fringe elements of the radicalized homosexual agenda and their ultimate goal of worldwide sexual anarchy.”

The Canadian Family Action Coalition and other campaigners are also showing their disfavor for the film.

“This is another attempt by certain individuals to normalize homosexual behavior, and they assume that the Maple Leafs will help the cause," said Brian Rushfeldt, co-founder and executive director of the group, in the Los Angeles Times. “I don't think it does much for the image of the NHL among families who may want their children involved in hockey.”

The film is based off a book written by Michael Downing which originally had a magazine editor and a chiropractor as the lead characters. For the movie, the screenwriter recast the roles as an ex-Maple Leaf and the team’s attorney.

The Toronto franchise has responded to the criticism, explaining the rationale of their support.

“Certain individuals are truly missing the point here,” said Bernadette Masur, senior vice-president for the team's communications, to the Los Angeles Times. “This is a story of a contemporary American family that exists today and is trying to raise a son in the best way possible.”

Thomas Cavanagh, previous lead from the TV Series “Ed,” plays the title character. The film is still in production with no concrete release date.