The Ford Motor Co., which had been a regular advertiser within gay media, and had donated significant sums to LGBT causes, announced last Thursday that it would pull advertising for its Jaguar and Land Rover brands in gay publications, after the American Family Association threatened boycott of Ford.
Said Donald Wildmon, AFA’s chairman;
They’ve heard our concerns; they are acting on our concerns. We are pleased with where we are. Obviously there are still some small matters of difference, as people will always have, but generally speaking, we are pleased with the results—and therefore the boycott that had been suspended [is] now officially ended.
Ford claimed the move was purely a business decision.
According to a list of demands on AFA’s Web site, the organization insisted that Ford and all of its brands stop donating cash, vehicles, and endorsements to gay social activities. This includes donations to pride celebrations and groups such as the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, the Human Rights Campaign, and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. AFA says those groups have received contributions from Ford in the past.
This sort of bigotry should not go unchallanged. What would the reaction be if a U.S. comapny bowed to the demands of an Islamic extremist organization? You can call any of these Ford officials and register a complaint.
Contact: Rosemary Mariniello, Jaguar Land Rover North America, (201) 818-8010
Contact: Jim Cain, Ford Division, (313) 248-6288
Contact: Sara Tatchio, Lincoln and Mercury, (313) 594-3744
Contact: Roger Ormisher, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc., (800) 970-0888
Contact: George Pipas, Ford Motor Company, (313) 323-9216
Contact: Dan Bedore, Ford Division, (313) 323-7045