The ARC Demands Apology From Talk Show Host After Latest Hate Speech Incident

ARC of the United States
Tuesday, 16 January 2001

JANUARY 16, 2001, SILVER SPRING, MD – The Arc of the United States, the nation's largest volunteer-based organization devoted to issues affecting people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities, is calling for an immediate apology from ABC Television and "Politically Incorrect" host Bill Maher for his latest incident of hate speech against people with mental retardation.

On Thursday, January 11, Mr. Maher compared people with mental retardation to dogs. To quote from the program:

"Bill Maher: But I've often said that if I had -- I have two dogs -- if I had two

retarded children, I'd be a hero. And yet the dogs, which are pretty much

the same thing -- [ Laughter ] What? They're sweet. They're loving. They're kind, but they don't mentally advance at all….What? Dogs are like retarded children.

Cynthia Garrett (a guest on the program): My 9-year-old nephew is retarded.

I've never thought of him like a little dog.

Maher: Well, maybe you should."

A complete transcript of the show is available on ABC's web site at: http://abc.go.com/primetime/politicallyincorrect/popup/pi_transcript_frame.htm

President of The Arc Karen Staley issued a stern letter to ABC's President of Programming Stu Bloomberg calling for an apology and a firm commitment that Maher will refrain from such hate speech in the future. Chapters of The Arc around the country have also contacted ABC and local network affiliates to voice their strong protest of Mr. Maher's slurs.

"Unfortunately, this is the second time in recent months that the 'Politically Incorrect' program has issued a slur against people with mental retardation," said Ms. Staley. "In November, the show's web site referred to 'the retard vote' as a key in the presidential election. It's becoming clear that the program is establishing a pattern of hateful speech against people with developmental disabilities."

The Arc of the United States was founded in 1950 and is the nation's largest volunteer organization solely devoted to improving the lives of people who have mental retardation and fostering prevention of the condition.

For more information, or to contact ARC of the United States, see their website at: www.thearc.org