After igniting controversy among pro-family groups last year by featuring a lesbian-themed ad during its Christmas programming, the Hallmark Channel featured its first-ever same-sex marriage on its network over the weekend.
According to Entertainment Weekly, the big moment occurred in the movie “Wedding Every Weekend,” a “Four Weddings and a Funeral” knock-off about a group of friends that attend “four upcoming weddings together as friends to avoid being set-up.” Of the weddings visited, one featured the nuptials of Amanda (Makayla Moore) and Vicky’s (Carmel Amit).
Just as they did last year, the group One Million Moms launched a petition calling for a boycott of the Hallmark Channel.
“The once conservative network has recently caved to LGBTQ pressure and has done a one-eighty from the wholesome content the channel once aired, and the network is now catering to the Left,” the petition read.
“So many people feel betrayed by Hallmark over these past seven months,” it continued. “Hallmark Channel was one of the remaining channels that families could watch without being bombarded by politically correct commercials and the LGBTQ agenda. One Million Moms is boycotting all things, Hallmark. This includes Hallmark Channel, Hallmark wrapping paper, greeting cards, Christmas ornaments, etc.”
Last year, during the holiday season, One Million Moms launched a similar petition demanding that Hallmark pull an ad from the wedding company Zola because it featured a lesbian kiss.
“Until recently, Hallmark had a good record for keeping their movies and commercials family-friendly,” the petition said. “Now, parents can no longer trust Hallmark because Hallmark is no longer allowing parents to be the primary educators when it comes to sex and sexual morality. Parents need to know they could now come face-to-face with the LGBT agenda when they sit down to watch the Hallmark Channel.”
Though Hallmark initially pulled the ad, the company immediately backtracked on its decision after facing an online backlash. In the subsequent apology, Hallmark promised that it would work with the organization GLAAD to better foster a culture of inclusivity in its programming.
Hallmark is, and always has been, committed to diversity and inclusion – both in our workplace as well as the products and experiences we create. It is never Hallmark’s intention to be divisive or generate controversy. We are an inclusive company and have a track record to prove it. We have LGBTQ greeting cards and feature LGBTQ couples in commercials. We have been recognized as one of the Human Rights Campaigns Best Places to Work, and as one of Forbes America’s Best Employers for Diversity. We have been a progressive pioneer on television for decades – telling wide ranging stories that elevate the human spirit such as August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson and Colm Tóibín’s The Blackwater Lightship, both of which highlight the importance of tolerance and understanding.
Hallmark will be working with GLAAD to better represent the LGBTQ community across our portfolio of brands. The Hallmark Channel will be reaching out to Zola to reestablish our partnership and reinstate the commercials.
As evidenced by the latest programming, Hallmark kept its promise.
Related: Hallmark Channel Apologizes, Will Allow LGBT Ads, Promises To Work With GLAAD