Recently, CBS refused to air a United Church of Christ ad that emphasizes the church’s welcoming of a diverse membership, including same-sex couples. The Human Rights Campaign, in partnership with GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), called on CBS today to publicly clarify its position on the network's recent refusal to air the ad.

Please call CBS or e-mail them at audsvcs@cbs.com today and urge them to publicly clarify their position on the network's recent refusal to air the United Church of Christ's inclusionary ad.

CBS told the UCC that the inclusion of scenes that touch on "the exclusion of gay couples and other minority groups" by other religious institutions as well as "the fact the Executive Branch has recently proposed a Constitutional Amendment to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman" meant that "this spot is unacceptable for broadcast on the [CBS and UPN] networks."

The UCC ad, which was also declined by NBC, concludes with the line, "Jesus didn't turn people away. Neither do we. No matter where you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here." You can view the ad on the UCC website here: www.stillspeaking.com/default.htm

In addition to FOX -- the only major broadcast network so far to say it will air the UCC's ad -- the 30-second spot has been accepted by a number of cable networks, including ABC Family, AMC, BET, CNN, Comedy Central, the Discovery Channel, the Hallmark Channel, the History Channel, Nick at Nite, TBS, TNT, the Travel Channel and TV Land.

Also today, the United Church of Christ announced that it has filed two related petitions with the Federal Communications Commission. For more on this story, or to take action please visit: http://www.ucctakeaction.org/ctt.asp?u=4497&l=70394.

Canadian Court Approves Same-Sex Marriage
 
Canada's highest court said Thursday the government can redefine marriage to include same-sex couples, but it added that religious officials cannot be forced to perform unions against their beliefs.

The ruling by the court in Ottawa brings to the final stages a long, bitter fight over whether gays and lesbians should be allowed to marry in Canada.

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Anti-Gay Marriage March Uses King Quote
By DICK PETTYS
Associated Press Writer

ATLANTA (AP) -- Gay rights activists are denouncing an anti-gay marriage march that starts near the tomb of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as an effort to hijack the slain civil rights leader's legacy.

The march, set for Saturday, is being organized by the predominantly black 25,000-member New Birth Missionary Baptist Church of suburban Atlanta, whose pastor, Bishop Eddie Long, opposes gay marriage and counsels gay members to abandon their lifestyle.

A quote from King appears on the site where details of the march are posted, and marchers are instructed to gather at the King Center, the memorial where he is buried.

Rosalind McGinnis, managing director of the King Center, said the organization is not endorsing the march. King's widow, Coretta Scott King, has called gay marriage a civil rights issue and denounced proposed amendments to ban it.

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