Hallmark’s decision to pull a commercial showing 2 lesbians kissing triggered outrage on Twitter.com.
The family-oriented network pulled four same-sex commercials after conservative groups launched petitions signed by thousands of concerned parents.
In one ad, two brides kiss after exchanging vows at the altar. One woman wears a wedding dress, the other wears a men’s tailored suit.
The commercials were paid for by Zola.com, an inclusive wedding planning company that purchased six ad spots. Four of the 6 ads feature same-sex couples.
A petition created by the conservative group One Million Moms (1MM) garnered over 25,000 signatures. The group’s mission is to “fight against indecency”.
The organization pleaded with Bill Abbott, CEO of Crown Media Family Networks, Hallmark’s parent company.
“Please reconsider airing commercials with the same-sex couples, and please do not add LGBT movies to the Hallmark Channel. Such content goes against Christian and conservative vaults that are important to your primary audience. You will lose viewers if you cave to the LGBT agenda.”
The group said the Zola commercials made Hallmark Channel unsafe for family viewing.
A similar petition on Christian website LifesiteNews.com garnered over 50,000 signatures.
It didn’t take long for Hallmark to realize the error of its ways.
“We are not allowed to accept creatives that are deemed controversial,” said an account rep.
Liberals on Twitter vented their outrage under the hashtag #BoycottHallmarkChannel.
Valerie Jarrett, who served as the senior advisor to former President Barack Obama, was among the vocal critics.
“Controversial? Really, ?@Hallmark?? What a horrible message you are sending not just to all of the same sex couples and their loved ones, but to everyone. #lovemeanslove.”
Television personality Baker Machado tweeted:
“he declined to comment on why a nearly identical ad featuring a bride and groom kissing was not rejected.”
Another Twitter user said critics of the ads are “okay with voting for a guy who had sex with Stormy Daniels while his third wife was nursing his infant child…”
But others were pleased with Hallmark’s decision.
One user tweeted: “I will not be boycotting Hallmark Channel or their cards. They have [every] right to make their own decision.”
Another user tweeted:
“It’s the only channel that moms and dads don’t have to monitor for sex or violence or 4 letter words. Leave Hallmark alone, same sex couples are a fact of life.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pVnnGK6BP4
