J.C. Penney’s Two Dads Ad Angers Right (Again!)
The conservative anti-gay group One Million Moms (OMM) is back at it again -- and it's no surprise the organization is targeting JC Penney. This time OMM has a problem with the department store's Father's Days ad, which features two dads and their children, ABC news reported.
The ad's text says: "What makes Dad so cool? He's the swim coach, tent maker, best friend, bike fixer and hug giver - all rolled into one. Or two." The photo shows real-life dads Todd Koch and Cooper Smith with their kids.
OMM, which most likely does not consist of one million moms, was extremely upset about the company's ad and fired off a statement condemning JC Penney.
"It's obvious that JCP would rather take sides than remain neutral in the culture war," OMM writes. "JCP will hear from the other side, so they need to hear from us as well. Our persistence will pay off! One day we will answer for our actions or lack of them. We must remain diligent and stand up for Biblical values and truth. Scripture says multiple times that homosexuality is wrong, and God will not tolerate this sinful nature."
The group has now started another boycott against the department store.
Back in May, OMM attacked the company's ad for including lesbian moms in its Mother's Day catalog. The organization resorted to their old tactics and asked their supporters to call and visit their local JC Penney store and complain to the store manager.
"Local managers are more likely to listen to your concerns and pass them along to the corporate office," the group says in a statement.
Additionally, OMM made national headlines in February when it called for a boycott of the department store after it hired comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres as its spokeswoman.
"Funny that JC Penney thinks hiring an open homosexual spokesperson will help their business when most of their customers are traditional families," the million (or so) moms write on their website. "DeGeneres is not a true representation of the type of families that shop at their store. The majority of JC Penney shoppers will be offended and choose to no longer shop there."
The group admitted defeat, however, in early March and called off the boycott and announced that it would no longer focus on getting DeGeneres fired and is moving on to other issues.
"But we have heard back from so many of our members," Monica Cole of One Million Moms said. "We have heard back from men and women -- not just moms -- saying they will no longer shop there at JC Penney, as long as Ellen DeGeneres is their spokesperson."
JC Penney spokesman Joseph Thomas talked to ABC News about the controversial issue.
"In celebration of Father's Day, we're proud that our June book honors men from diverse backgrounds who all share the joy of fatherhood," he said in an email.
A Joe My God reader emailed JC Penney and applauded the company for its stance on equality and received a heartwarming response.
"Dear JCP, I love you guys. I have never been into a JC Penney store, but after seeing your ad with Cooper Smith and Todd Koch and their kids ... well, you guys rock. I will find something to buy, just to say thank you!! sincerely, mike."
The clothing company responded back and said: "Dear Mike, Thank you for sharing with me your very valuable feedback. As a company founded on 'The Golden Rule,' we consider it our top priority to treat each customer as we would like to be treated. Fair and Square. We are in the process of dreaming up new ways to make you love shopping with us and your comments help us move one step closer to becoming your favorite store! Hope you have a great weekend! Sincerely, Chris, Customer Care Representative."