Page "Jerry Falwell" Paragraph 24

In February 1999, an unsigned article that media outlets attributed to Falwell was published in the National Liberty Journal – a promotional publication of the university he founded – claimed that the Teletubby named Tinky Winky was intended as a gay role model.

An article published in 1998 by the liberal Salon. com had noted Tinky Winky's status as a gay icon.

In response, Steve Rice, spokesperson for Itsy Bitsy Entertainment, which licenses the Teletubbies in the US, said, " I really find it absurd and kind of offensive.

" The immensely popular UK show was aimed at pre-school children, but the article stated " he is purple – the gay pride color ; and his antenna is shaped like a triangle – the gay-pride symbol.

" Apart from those characteristics Tinky Winky also carries a magic bag which the NLJ and Salon articles said was a purse.

Falwell added " role modelling the gay lifestyle is damaging to the moral lives of children.