News
2005-10-15
Pro-gay UCC ad
again rejected by networks
Televison network
CBS is again balking at a pro-gay commercial from the
United Church of Christ, saying it amounts to "advocacy" and
Televison network
CBS is again balking at a pro-gay commercial from the
United Church of Christ, saying it amounts to "advocacy" and
therefore cannot be aired because it runs counter to
a network policy against advocacy ads. Last year
the network refused to air the ad, in which bouncers
are shown refusing gays and lesbians entry to a large
church, followed by a welcoming message from UCC.
After a recent
meeting with high-level CBS executives, the coordinator of
UCC's identity campaign, Ron Buford, said it appeared
the network would again reject the ad. "We told them
that the United Church of Christ commercial was not
advocating anything; rather, we are letting people
know that no matter who they are or where they are on life's
journey, they are welcome," Buford said.
After reaching an
impasse, Buford asked the executives what would have to
change for the ad to be acceptable. "The executives said
that it would have to become commonplace across
the United States for churches to welcome gays and
lesbians," Buford said.
Buford said UCC
would again find cable television outlets for their ad.
After it aired on cable last December, there was a sharp
spike in the number of people—gay and
straight—inquiring about joining UCC, Buford
said. (Advocate.com)
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