Yanked: Tennessee pastor’s comments on autism gets his documentary switched off at local theater

Abingdon Cinemall owner Steve Weston says family ties to autism weighed into his selection to pull a scheduled showing of a documentary and live message from Tennessee pastor Greg Locke.

Weston cited Locke’s previous comments from a year ago calling autism, OCD, and mental health conditions signs of demonic possession in children in his decision to yank the movie from his screen.

The movie’s official website says showings are scheduled at theaters in Asheville and Knoxville.

Here is the statement Weston posted on Cinemall’s official Facebook page:

As owner of the Cinemall since its inception in 1998, I wish to thank my staff for defending the Cinemall’s reputation and thoroughly explaining the bases for our policies. On the one hand, it is important that our general public be able to see any particular movie if that is their choice.

The fact that a movie is controversial, whether for faith or political idealogy reasons, has never stopped us from showing it before. On the other hand, one of the preachings of the debated film’s protagonist, Pastor Locke, is that autism spectrum and similar disorders are the result of demonic possession.

I have family and friends with children who are autistic. They are all beautiful, loving souls. Fortunately those members of our community who wish to partake of Pastor Locke’s teachings can still do so in Bristol, because his movie will not play at Abingdon Cinemall, ever. If you purchased a ticket, you will be refunded in full. Thank you everyone for taking the time to comment on this topic.

(IMAGE: Courtesy of Pixabay)