Aussie Soap's 'Home and Away's' Lesbian Kiss Censored

Australian network Seven allegedly censored a kiss between two female characters on the soap opera Home and Away.

Esther Anderson's character on the show, police officer 'Charlie Buckton' is falling for 'Joey Collins' played by Kate Bell. The Australian reports the network has cut intimate shots from an upcoming romantic kiss between the two actors although producers say the mild smooch was tame compared to heterosexual couples making out on the PG rated series.

The show has been experiencing a host of criticism and a drop off of nearly one hundred thousand viewers since the inception of the lesbian plot line. Unlike British and recent American soaps, Australian television is still staunchly conservative.

Australian media commentator David Knox said that the PG ratings did not discriminate between gay and straight content. "It's sad that in 2009 a kiss is considered more threatening to advertisers and family values than stalkers, serial killers and kidnappers, all of which sustain Summer Bay story-lines on a regular basis."

As for the leading lady, Esther Anderson, she thinks viewers will receive the scene well despite the flair up, especially young adults.

Anderson explained, "You learn pretty much everything at school. I don't think it's like I'm lifting the lid on something they don't already know about.

She concluded, "To me there's no difference - love's love. The fact that your partner's the same sex is no different. You just want to be loved. She (Charlie) happens to find love with a girl."

At least the actress has got it right. Hopefully, Australian broadcasters will get on board with the same attitude of acceptance and equality for all forms of love!

Check out the beginnings of Charlie and Joey's relationship below: