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Lionsgate dismiss Ender's Game author's views as 'completely irrelevant'

Production company attempts to quell protests over anti-gay views of Orson Scott Card ahead of release

Less than a week before the forthcoming sci fi blockbuster, 'Ender's Game,' hits Comic-Con, the film's distributors have issued a statement which attempts to quell protests about the film's author's views on same sex marriage, calling them "completely irrelevant."



Orson Scott Card, the author of the original novel on which the film is based, is on record as saying that he does not agree with same sex marriage.

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Various online groups, including the gay rights-oriented 'Geeks Out' have called for the film to be boycotted due to the author's statement in 2008 that: "[t]here is no branch of government with the authority to redefine marriage," and indicated that a revolution would be appropriate if gay marriage became law. He subsequently became a member of the board of directors of the National Organization for Marriage, a group that seeks to maintain the traditional definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

Lionsgate in a statement has called itself "proud longtime supporters of the LGBT community" and that it does "not agree with the personal views of Orson Scott Card and those of the National Organization for Marriage".

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"The simple fact is that neither the underlying book nor the film itself reflect these views in any way, shape or form. 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."

The film which stars Harrison Ford, Asa Butterfield (as Ender) and Hailee Steinfeld, is directed by Gavin Hood and produced by Bob Orci. It tells the story of a teenager trained to fight "Buggers", an insectoid alien species.

The film's stars are due to appear at Comic-Con next week, but won't be joined by Card.

The film will be released in the UK on October 25th.