Was it homophobia or the Mormons talking when a Utah movie theater jerked out from showing the R-rated cowboy-gay romance movie Brokeback Mountain?

The Utah theater, Jordan Common Megaplex, owned by Utah Jazz owner Larry Miller abruptly changed it’s screening plans and decided not to show the film, says CNN News.

Gayle Ruzicka, president of the conservative Utah Eagle Forum, said not showing the film set an example for the people of Utah."I just think (pulling the show) tells the young people especially that maybe there is something wrong with this show," she said.

Leading nominations in major award-giving bodies (with hot straight guy Heath Ledger getting best actor noms: see Oddjack archive) and critics lauding were not enough to sell the film in some areas. For morality-hogging communities it’s nothing but a ‘gay cowboy movie’. And most movie critics are gay anyway.

The manager of the Jordan Common Megaplex declined to comment. The gay community of Utah is outraged. Bookmakers are glad that the awards wagering season has come. But Bodog seemingly anticipating reversal of fortune: If you like Brokeback Mountain, then give it your bet!