Gay campaigners furious at Pride's US cinema rating

IT has been hailed by critics, winning acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival, but a film about gay activists who raised money to help South Wales families during the 1984 miners' strike has fallen foul of American film censors.

Pride, featuring Bill Nighy, Dominic West and Imelda Staunton, as well as Swansea's Menna Trussler, had its Welsh premiere in the city.

It tells the true story of a group of London-based gay and lesbian activists who decide to raise money in support of the families of the striking miners, resulting in a lasting bond of friendship between the two unified communities.

Swansea East MP Sian James is portrayed in the film as having a pivotal role in helping feed families at the peak of the year-long strike.

But the Motion Picture Association of America has ruled the film was unfit for 16-year-olds unless they were in the company of a parent or adult guardian.

The film is rated 15 in the UK, and the US verdict has prompted anger among filmmakers and gay activists.

Veteran campaigner Peter Tatchell said: "It is outrageous, knee-jerk homophobia.

"There's no significant sex or violence in Pride to justify strong ratings.

"The American classification board seems to automatically view any film with even the mildest gay content as unfit for people under 17."

The MPAA has not given reasons why Pride is considered inappropriate for unaccompanied 16-year-olds.

On its website, the BBFC explains its 15 rating of Stephen Beresford's film as being based on "occasional strong language" and some scenes with sexual references.

One shows "men in a gay club wearing 'bondage' clothing".