Anti-gay group “One Million Moms” announced today that it has abandoned its call for daytime talk show host Ellen DeGeneres to be fired as J.C. Penney’s new spokesperson. “One Million Moms” is a project of the American Family Association, an organization the Southern Poverty Law Center designates as a hate group.
In an interview with Christian news outlet OneNewsNow.com, “One Million Moms” Director Monica Cole says that “other issues require her group's attention, so OMM is moving on.”
"Turns out 'one million' anti-gay activists just can't compare to the millions more – moms, dads, sons and daughters alike – who agree with J.C. Penney that no person should be fired simply for being gay," said GLAAD spokesperson Herndon Graddick. "As a result of this failed attempt to oust Ellen, more people than ever are now speaking out against the injustices faced by hardworking LGBT Americans in the workplace."
Nearly 50,000 advocates and allies joined GLAAD to #StandUpForEllen and thank J.C. Penney for its support of Ellen after OMM launched its call for the comedian to be fired simply because she’s gay. Despite the group’s demands, however, J.C. Penney stuck by Ellen, saying that the retailer “shares the same fundamental values” as Ellen.
(Join Ellen at the 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles. For more information, click here.)
GLAAD’s #StandUpForEllen campaign ignited a national conversation about anti-LGBT employment discrimination, drawing significant attention to the fact that in 29 states a person can be fired simply because they’re gay, while in 34 states a person can be fired simply for being transgender.
Ellen later addressed the controversy on her show, thanking supporters and noting that her “haters are her motivators.”
For more information about GLAAD’s #StandUpForEllen campaign, click here.
