NHL in Groundbreaking Gay Sports Movie

The National Hockey League is breaking new ground by being the first sports association to approve the use of action footage, its uniforms, names, and logos in a gay-themed film.

"Breakfast With Scot," based on a 1999 novel by Michael Downing, is a story about two gay men, a former Toronto Maple Leaf and the team's lawyer, who become the guardians of an 11-year-old boy who's more out there than they are, the L.A. Times reports.

That the NHL would be the groundbreaker in this regard is surprising considering it's macho image and conservative supporters like Denver billionaire Philip Anschutz who has been a supporter of anti-gay ballot measures and anti-gay groups in his home state of Colorado.

The NHL gave its approval to the movie script and then passed it on to the Maple Leafs for their consent.

"The group thought this was a very interesting and heartwarming tale of two parents who are trying to raise a child who is a bit eccentric and just suffered the loss of his mother," said Bernadette Mansur, the NHL's senior vice president for communications. "We were all in agreement that this was something we wanted to pursue."

Richard Peddie, president and chief executive of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, said that even though Canada is "a diverse and accepting country," he has already received objections to the movie before it even has been released.

"We're obviously a sports team that's the New York Yankees of Canada, the No. 1 sports brand, and we decided we had no problem being depicted in the movie," Peddie said. "It's quite benign.

"When you've got 'Will and Grace' on TV and a comedian kissing her girlfriend on TV, it's so accepted. We think it's very entertaining and tame."

Like Peddie, the NHL has received protests over its involvement in the movie, mainly from followers of James Hartline, a self-described ex-gay turned Christian activist in San Diego.

Even though Hartline has not seen the movie, he condemned the NHL for "promoting homosexualization of small children." He added, "The National Hockey League is now becoming a willing partner with the fringe elements of the radicalized homosexual agenda and their ultimate goal of worldwide sexual anarchy."

Brian Rushfeldt, co-founder and executive director of the Canada Family Action Coalition said the Maple Leafs were "underwriting homosexuality" by permitting the use of their name and logo.

"This is another attempt by certain individuals to normalize homosexual behavior, and they assume that the Maple Leafs will help the cause," Rushfeldt said. "I don't think it does much for the image of the NHL amongst families who may want their children involved in hockey."

Mansur said the league "didn't intend to make a statement one way or another about homosexuals."

"Certain individuals are truly missing the point here," she said. "This is a story of a contemporary American family that exists today and is trying to raise a son in the best way possible."