[NOW Action List] Tell CBS and NBC to Accept LGBT-Inclusive Ad Message

Support NOW's Work  |	December 1, 2004	|  Tell a Friend

Action Needed Background All NOW Actions Media Issues		Tell CBS and NBC to Accept LGBT-Inclusive Ad Message In a chilling display of corporate censorship, CBS and NBC have refused to run a television advertisement created by the United Church of Christ (UCC). The message of the ad is that, like Jesus, the UCC is welcoming to all people. The ad includes same-sex couples, people of color and a person with a disability. Urge CBS and NBC to take a stand against discrimination and in support of freedom of speech. Action Needed: Please contact CBS and NBC headquarters to express your support for airing an inclusive 30-second ad for the United Church of Christ. The ad, which is part of the denomination's new campaign, was set to begin airing nationwide on Dec. 1. A number of networks and cable outlets have accepted the ad, including ABC Family, BET and Fox. In a written statement CBS states: "Because this commercial touches on the exclusion of gay couples and other minority groups by other individuals and organizations, and the fact the Executive Branch has recently proposed a Constitutional Amendment to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, this spot is unacceptable for broadcast on the [CBS and UPN] networks." NBC also deemed the ad "too controversial." Please call or e-mail CBS and NBC headquarters to let them know that you support the United Church of Christ's message of fairness and equality and want the ad to air nationwide. Refusing to air the ad stands in the way of freedom of speech, freedom of religious _expression_ and democracy. CBS: 212-975-4321 NBC: 212-664-4444 Background: The United Church of Christ was set to launch its first-ever nationwide advertising campaign on Dec. 1. Research conducted by the UCC found that many people across the country have felt alienated by churches; this new campaign was designed to welcome all people, regardless of ability, age, race, economic circumstances or sexual orientation, into the UCC. The 30-second ad shows two bouncers outside a church, choosing which people may enter and turning down a male couple in the process. The voice-over states "Jesus didn't turn people away. Neither do we." A female couple appears among the diverse group of people shown at the end of the ad. A long list of TV outlets accepted the ad, including ABC Family, AMC, BET, Discovery, Fox, Hallmark, Nick at Nite, TBS, TNT and TV Land. Unfortunately, on Nov. 30 negotiations broke down between church representatives and network officials at CBS and NBC. "The networks' attitude would be comical if it were not so frightening," said NOW president Kim Gandy. "Apparently the networks, which ran seemingly endless negative ads during the election season, are now prepared to redefine the word 'controversy,' and ban all mention of any subject which might offend the new morality police at the FCC." We must stop this kind of broadcast censorship in its tracks. Your action is needed immediately.
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