News
2006-01-12
AFA hints
at new action against Ford
The AFA spars
with Ford—again
On Wednesday the
antigay American Family Association sent a
The antigay
American Family Association just won't give up
on trying to stop Ford Motor Co. from advertising
in gay publications.
The Tupelo, Miss.–based group on
Wednesday sent a letter—signed by 43 other
antigay organizations—to chairman Bill Ford to "honor
Ford’s commitment to stop supporting homosexual groups."
The AFA has
been left in an embarrassing
situation since December when it claimed a
cultural victory by saying it had convinced the
country's number 2 automaker to stop advertising
in gay publications, such as The Advocate, and
to stop sponsoring LGBT events. Ford agreed to stop
advertising its Land Rover and Jaguar brands but quickly
reversed its position when confronted by gay rights groups.
AFA chairman Donald Wildmon said in a statement
on Wednesday that Ford had reneged on its original agreement.
”After meeting with seven homosexual
leaders and without any input from thousands of their
dealers who stand to be adversely affected by Ford’s
decision, Ford made their decision to renege on actions they
told AFA they would take,” Wildmon said.
“Ford’s support for these groups pushing
homosexual marriage can only hurt dealers across the
country. Why would Ford put the interests of seven
homosexual groups ahead of the interests of all their
dealers? Simply because Ford considers seven homosexual
leaders more important than thousands of their dealers.”
According to the AFA, Ford said it would not
renew current promotions or make corporate donations
to gay rights groups.
"Finally, Ford represented they would cease all
advertising in homosexual Web sites and media outlets
(magazines, television, radio) in the U.S. with the
exception of a small amount to be used by Volvo. The
Volvo ads would be the same ads used in the general media
and not aimed at the homosexual community
specifically," the AFA said.
Wildmon called for a response from Ford by
January 20. “If we do not hear from you by that
date, we will assume that Ford does not intend to honor
their commitment. Should you decide to respond, please do so
by letter since we can no longer trust Ford’s
spoken word,” he said. (Advocate.com)
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