Last Update on : March 12, 2008
Christian association ends boycott of Ford
.jpg) The American Family Association announced Tuesday that it is ending its boycott of Ford Motor Co., claiming victory in its effort to force the Dearborn automaker to curtail advertising in gay and lesbian publications.
But Ford says it has not made any concessions to the group.
The conservative Christian organization, based in Tupelo, Miss., called the boycott two years ago to protest what it called Ford's "support of the homosexual agenda." The group accused Ford of reneging on a 2005 agreement to suspend advertising in gay and lesbian publications and stop sponsoring gay and lesbian events and causes.
That agreement ended an earlier boycott by the organization. Now the association says Ford is once again complying with those terms.
"A few minor issues remain, and we will continue to bring these to the attention of Ford. But basically Ford has met the terms of the agreement. We are therefore suspending the boycott," said the organization's chairman and founder, Donald Wildmon, in a communique to members Tuesday. "Individuals are free to purchase Ford vehicles again."
However, Ford says it has reduced all of its advertising and charitable spending as a result of financial pressures. Company spokesman Jim Cain said there has been no change in policy.
"The AFA has made its decision and is ready to move on. Our principles have not changed," the automaker said in a statement Tuesday.
"Ford will continue to market its products widely to attract as many customers as possible and make charitable contributions to strengthen communities to the extent business conditions allow."
780,000 signed petitions
Michael Phelps, publisher of PlanetOut Inc., which produces the Advocate, Out and other magazines for gay and lesbian audiences, said Ford never really reinstated its advertising after the initial boycott.
"I was quite disappointed, personally," he said. "I own a Range Rover. I got one to show support for Land Rover when this all began."
But Phelps said Ford's Volvo brand is still advertising in his publications, and Ford said it has no plans to stop.
Phelps added that other automakers -- including General Motors Corp. and Toyota Motor Corp. -- also advertise in his magazines, and have been doing so at least as long as Ford.
Wildmon would not respond to questions about the AFA's stance on those companies.
He claimed that more than 780,000 individuals signed the association's petition, pledging to boycott Ford products, and credits that effort with part of the decline in Ford's sales, which have been falling steadily for more than a decade.
|
