So – 200 complaints about two men kissing and Heinz – whimps that they are – withdraw the advertisement.
Just when you think that we have moved beyond the bigotry and homophobic hatreds of the past – something like this (or Iris Robinson) pops into the limelight and reminds us that we still have a long way to go to eradicate homophobia. We may have been able to make homophobic behaviour subject to the law – but it is clearly still there in the people – and in corporate cowards.
Would Heinz have pulled an advert if 200 people had objected to it containing a woman? Or a black person? I certainly hope not! But if such blatant sexism or racism isn’t acceptable, why treat homophobia as ok to give in to?
Andrew (a former employee of mine!) has blogged on the subject at http://andrewrunning.blogspot.com/2008/06/boycott-heinz.html – and gives details of how to lobby Heinz. It’s very easy – just an email or a call to their free phone number.
I have signed an Early Day Motion condemning Heinz for their action – and I hope this whole episode does them the damage they deserve.
(If you aren’t a constituent of mine, do pop over to http://www.writetothem.com/ and email your own MP asking them to sign EDM 1913. Don’t worry if you don’t know who your MP is – the site will look it up for you and sort out sending the message.)
[Cross-posted at http://www.liberalconspiracy.org/2008/06/28/taking-action-against-heinz/]
Lynne Featherstone 
I agree, it is hugely important that we work in order to eradicate all forms of homophobia in British society. There are numerous organisations, such as Stonewall and other charities that do an exceptional job in tackling mainstream homophobia. However, whilst I accept there remains widespread opposition towards this particular advert, in a democratic society people should exercise their right to express their opinions, whether we approve of them or not. The essence of democracy is to promote democratic debate, in an environment that is free of fear and intimidation.
Thanks for signing EDM 1889 Lynne. I’ll add you to my original post on the subject as a signatory along with the original 10 names.Sadly the US press stories on this topic are lagging behind the story still only quoted 6 MPs having signed this and that there are only 1300 signatories on the largest petition which today moved beyond 10,000.
The Heinz advert isn’t about sex at all — it’s about having someone making New York deli sandwiches for you at home, a job typically done by “Mum”. The people who object to it just have dirty minds.Regards,Helen
Lynne, as an American I applauded what I thought was Great Britain’s openness in allowing the Heinz commercial. My wife and I both thought it was humorous and bold at the same time. Video of the ad is a big hit amongst the liberal blogs in the US. I am now discouraged by the news that the ad has been pulled. It was if Heinz went from a spine of steel to that of a jellyfish. Kudos on your stance!
I’ll leave this post and then duck…I don’t find the sight of two men kissing particularly attractive but aren’t we missing the point.Its an ADVERT and if it pus people off the product, then Heinz have every right to withdraw it.