The most popular film series since Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is subject to controversy even where none exists. Some religious groups see the film as corrupting the morals of children by depicting magic, which is the enterprise of devil. Others believe the series contains a hidden gay agenda. Are homophobes just desperate for a new children's movie to attack, or does the world's most popular wizard enjoy both a love for horses and wand waggling boys?
This article appears in Jul 15-21, 2009.