Green Party LGBT News

Heinz: Stand up to the Homophobes!	24 June 2008
Summary In reaction to the decision of Heinz to withdraw their advertisement which depicted a gay couple kissing, Phelim Mac Cafferty, media spokesperson for LGBT Greens stated:

Main Body

In reaction to the decision of Heinz to withdraw their advertisement which depicted a gay couple kissing, Phelim Mac Cafferty, media spokesperson for LGBT Greens stated:

"Heinz have clearly been intimidated out of continuing to broadcast their advert for Heinz Deli Mayo which depicted a 'New York' style deli chef who happened to play the role of 'mum' to 2 kids, but also had a male partner."

Phelim continued:
"Not one for usually singing the praises of corporations or indeed their adverts, let's be clear: after so many homophobic advertisements, Heinz positively represented the lives of a family which happened to have 2 dads. The ad was broadcast before 'the threshold' and signifies a breakthrough as it decided not to stereotype LGBT people."

"This ad was imaginative and for every television-watching LGBT parent in the land it represents a massive leap forwards, in that it dared to represent LGBT parents."

"The fact that it has been shelved shows that we are up against a highly organised campaign which wants to pretend that LGBT parents somehow lead different lives to their straight counterparts and wants to smash the idea that LGBT parents exist at all."

"This cowardly withdrawal by Heinz also reminds us that there are organised forces which have vested interests in keeping all LGBT people off the screens altogether. Up until Heinz are prepared to re-broadcast the advert, LGBT Greens advocate that you lobby their customer careline on 0800 528 5757."

Subscribe to the news