Pandering to the Religious Reich
Ford Motor Company, like Microsoft, is apparently very sensitive to threats by the Relgious Reich. Some of the details can be found in an article in today's Washington Post
Ford Motor Co. said it will stop running ads for its Jaguar and Land Rover brands in the gay press, helping to avoid a confrontation with conservative Christians but setting up a fight with gays and lesbians.
The American Family Association, a conservative religious group, launched a boycott of Ford this year for extending marriage benefits to same-sex couples and giving "thousands of dollars to support homosexual groups and their agenda," the group said in written statement. The group criticized Ford for supporting gay commitment ceremonies and gay pride parades.
Ford spokesman Mike Moran said the move to stop advertising Jaguars and Land Rovers in gay publications such as the Advocate was based on a decision to streamline marketing budgets. Moran would not say what other magazine categories might be affected, citing competitive reasons.
Gay groups denounced Ford's decision as a capitulation to the religious right. "It looks pretty clear that they have bowed to the American Family Association's demands," said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights advocacy group.
Ford is the latest company to be ensnared in the culture wars over homosexuality, religion and American culture. Microsoft Corp. became a target of religious groups this year for its support of a Washington state bill to ban discrimination against gays and lesbians. The company withdrew its support for the bill, saying it was not caving to pressure but wanted to avoid taking a stand on a politically sensitive issue. After protest by employees, Microsoft reinstated its support for the anti-discrimination bill. [Emphasis added]
I must admit to being a little cheered by the discomfort of a mega-corporation when confronted by a group of consumers. A much larger and better part of me, however, is appalled by the cowardice displayed by Ford (and, earlier in the year, by Microsoft). In this case, all it took was a petition signed by 110,000 conservative Christians whipped into a frenzy by the leader of a fringe group. It will be interesting to see if Ford will be as sensitive to what I hope will be at least 110,000 emails and letters coming from the Gay and Lesbian community and from other Americans who believe in their right to live openly and decently in our society.
Ford's current CEO has a radio ad running promising the company is looking to the future, developing cars and trucks that are hybrid or run entirely on ethanol. Good on Ford. Now, lets see if they are looking to the future on human rights for all humans, regardless of their sexual orientation.
Sadly, Ford's latest move looks to be a move backward, towards the Nineteenth and Twentieth Century. Shame on Ford.
Ford Motor Co. said it will stop running ads for its Jaguar and Land Rover brands in the gay press, helping to avoid a confrontation with conservative Christians but setting up a fight with gays and lesbians.
The American Family Association, a conservative religious group, launched a boycott of Ford this year for extending marriage benefits to same-sex couples and giving "thousands of dollars to support homosexual groups and their agenda," the group said in written statement. The group criticized Ford for supporting gay commitment ceremonies and gay pride parades.
Ford spokesman Mike Moran said the move to stop advertising Jaguars and Land Rovers in gay publications such as the Advocate was based on a decision to streamline marketing budgets. Moran would not say what other magazine categories might be affected, citing competitive reasons.
Gay groups denounced Ford's decision as a capitulation to the religious right. "It looks pretty clear that they have bowed to the American Family Association's demands," said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights advocacy group.
Ford is the latest company to be ensnared in the culture wars over homosexuality, religion and American culture. Microsoft Corp. became a target of religious groups this year for its support of a Washington state bill to ban discrimination against gays and lesbians. The company withdrew its support for the bill, saying it was not caving to pressure but wanted to avoid taking a stand on a politically sensitive issue. After protest by employees, Microsoft reinstated its support for the anti-discrimination bill. [Emphasis added]
I must admit to being a little cheered by the discomfort of a mega-corporation when confronted by a group of consumers. A much larger and better part of me, however, is appalled by the cowardice displayed by Ford (and, earlier in the year, by Microsoft). In this case, all it took was a petition signed by 110,000 conservative Christians whipped into a frenzy by the leader of a fringe group. It will be interesting to see if Ford will be as sensitive to what I hope will be at least 110,000 emails and letters coming from the Gay and Lesbian community and from other Americans who believe in their right to live openly and decently in our society.
Ford's current CEO has a radio ad running promising the company is looking to the future, developing cars and trucks that are hybrid or run entirely on ethanol. Good on Ford. Now, lets see if they are looking to the future on human rights for all humans, regardless of their sexual orientation.
Sadly, Ford's latest move looks to be a move backward, towards the Nineteenth and Twentieth Century. Shame on Ford.
posted by Diane at 4:27 AM
2 Comments:
were gonna catch up to you, yeh tired old bag and er ah batch
How many grandchillins have you got? The way I reckin, they is the only ones votin for your here blob. Its got less flavor than a turkey turd and believe me, I know.
trumpfully yers,
Clete
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