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Rep. Pitts Criticizes Amish "Reality" Show on House Floor

Location: Washington, DC

Rep. Pitts Criticizes Amish "Reality" Show on House Floor

Washington-Congressman Joe Pitts (R, PA-16) today took to the House floor to make the following statement about UPN's planned Amish reality television show, "Amish in the City."

"UPN is making a reality show about the Amish. Make no mistake - this program is offensive and exploitative. The very act of making this show violates a fundamental Amish religious tenet. And asking Amish youth to participate requires them to break it.

"You see, the Amish believe that television itself violates the 10 Commandments ban on graven images. If you're selling a show based on its participants' religious identity, shouldn't you at least respect the religious beliefs of those participants and their families?

"One affiliate in Pennsylvania -UPN15 in Harrisburg - has already decided not to air the program until it previews its content. UPN15 has taken a principled and courageous stand. Its request to prescreen the show will help them ensure that the show's content does not offend its viewers beyond its already questionable premise.

"Other affiliates should follow suit. And advertisers should think twice before attaching their names to a show that offends and potentially degrades a religious community.

"This series would affect more than 20,000 of my Amish constituents and thousands of others around the nation, and may inaccurately portray their beliefs and customs."

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