From Freepress.net, word that CBS and NBC have refused to air TV spots for the United Church of Christ, citing it’s all-inclusive messaging as “too controversial”.
Seems the UCC’s message of brotherly love is extended to all people regardless of race, age, ability, economic circumstance, and, ahem, sexual orientation.
This explanation from CBS brass is offered: “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.”
The ads WILL air on Fox, ABC, BET, Discovery and others. The treatment? Two bouncers stand outside a church at Sunday service. The text reads “Jesus didn’t turn people away. Neither do we.” Then the narrator’s voice proclaims “No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”
The response from UCC? “We find it disturbing that the networks in question seem to have no problem exploiting gay persons through mindless comedies or titillating dramas, but when it comes to a church’s loving welcome of committed gay couples, that’s where they draw the line,” says the Rev. Robert Chase, director of the UCC’s communication ministry.
Amen to that.