BBC Radio 1 Reverses The Pogues “Faggot” Ban

What a difference a day makes! BBC Radio 1 reversed its decision to censor The Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York,” a holiday-themed track that includes the word “faggot”.

A bulk the radio’s listeners apparently approve of the questionable word’s inclusion. Radio 1 manager Andy Parfitt released this statement:

After careful consideration, I have decided that the decision to edit A Fairytale of New York was wrong. Radio 1 does not play homophobic lyrics or condone bullying of any kind. It is not always easy to get this right, mindful of our responsibility to our young audience.

While we would never condone prejudice of any kind, we know our audiences are smart enough to distinguish between maliciousness and creative freedom.

In the context of this song, I do not feel that there is any negative intent behind the use of the words, hence the reversal of the decision. The unedited version will be played from now on.

Gay activist Peter Tatchell isn’t happy, to say the least, and wonders if people would feel the same way about the word “nigger”. He’s doubtful.