Hallmark Channel Reverses, Apologizes On LGBT Ads

CNN reports:

The Hallmark Channel is reversing its decision to pull advertisements featuring same-sex couples and apologizing for removing them in the first place, a network spokeswoman told CNN Business.

The decision comes after Hallmark parent company Crown Media Family Networks faced calls for viewers and advertisers to boycott its television channel. The ads, from online wedding planning company Zola, showed same-sex couples celebrating marriages.

Hallmark president and CEO Mike Perry said Sunday night that the company made the “wrong decision” and wants to reinstate the commercials.

USA Today reports:

“The Crown Media team has been agonizing over this decision as we’ve seen the hurt it has unintentionally caused,” said a statement issued Sunday by Hallmark Cards CEO Mike Perry.

“Said simply, they believe this was the wrong decision. … We are truly sorry for the hurt and disappointment this has caused.”

The ads initially were pulled when conservative advocacy group One Million Moms, part of the American Family Association, complained directly to Bill Abbott, CEO of Hallmark parent Crown Media Family Networks.