TORONTO, Feb. 18, 2005 The Catholic Civil Rights League (ccrl.ca) today welcomed the end of Famous Players advertising in support of same sex marriage, but warned that companies that actively support controversial causes will continue to face repercussions from consumers. The league supported a boycott of Famous Players when the ads first began appearing Feb. 1.
“We want all corporate executives to know that its bad for business to engage in promotion of issues antithetical to the religious and ethical views of many Canadians said CCRL President Phil Horgan. We urged all of our supporters to give up Famous Players theatres for Lent this year. Take your movie watching business elsewhere.
The Famous Players chain stopped running the ad in its theatres across Canada following a boycott by the Defend Marriage coalition, of which CCRL is a founding member. The ad was a pre-show still slide saying I Do is the same whether youre gay or straight, and urged patrons to contact their MPs in support of Canadas Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The ad was placed by Canadians for Equal Marriage and paid for by Famous Players Media Inc. President Salah Bachir. The movie chain later refused to run a pro-marriage trailer from Equipping Christians for the Public Square, another boycott supporter.
A spokesman for Famous Players said, it is clear that the issue is far too political and as a result we have determined not only to stop running this particular ad, but any future political advertising.
About CCRL
Catholic Civil Rights League (www.ccrl.ca) assists in creating conditions within which Catholic teachings can be better understood, cooperates with other organizations in defending civil rights in Canada, and opposes defamation and discrimination against Catholics on the basis of their beliefs. CCRL was founded in 1985 as an independent lay organization. The Catholic Civil Rights League is a Canadian non-profit organization entirely supported by the generosity of its members.
For further information: Joanne McGarry, Executive Director, 416-466-8244; joanne.mcgarry@ccrl.ca