AFA hints
at new action against Ford

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)