Apple App Seeks to 'Cure' Gays

Apple has approved an iPhone app specially designed to make gays straight. The app, created by and named after a Christian ministry group called "Exodus International," has received a 4 rating from Apple, indicating that the mega-retailer does not find the new addition objectionable, the Huffington Post reports. The app spreads the message that gays can be "freed from homosexuality" by having their sexual orientation "cured," notes Change.org.

TruthWinsOut.com called the app's message "hateful and bigoted" and has collected 21,000 signatures on an online petition. Though Apple vets all apps on its platform prior to release, an anti-gay marriage app was removed earlier this year, after initial approval, in the wake of public criticism. Exodus says it hasn't had any direct contact with Apple about the app. (More Apple stories.)