(Photo Source: foxbusiness.com)

Hallmark Channel will start featuring same-sex commercials

The Hallmark Channel, usually known for its heartwarming holiday movies, came under fire for pulling an advertisement that featured a lesbian couple. The ad, designed by the wedding planning site Zola, showed same-sex brides kissing at their wedding reception.

The Hallmark Channel removed the ad after complaints from a conservative group. However, celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres and Chely Wright called the company out on Twitter.

“Isn’t it almost 2020? @hallmarkchannel, @billabbottHC… what are you thinking? Please explain. We’re all ears,” DeGeneres tweeted.

Chely Wright encouraged Hallmark to reverse their decision.

“It is my sincere hope that @hallmarkchannel will reconsider their decision and that they’ll restore the relationship with @Zola and run the heck out of the commercials during this very high-viewership holiday time. This is an important moment for #LGBTQ viewers and their allies,” Wright tweeted.

A few days later, Hallmark reversed itself and reinstated the ad. The company also issued an apology.

“The Crown Media team has been agonizing over this decision as we’ve seen the hurt it has unintentionally caused,” Mike Perry, the CEO of Hallmark, said. “Said simply, they believe this was the wrong decision. Our mission is rooted in helping all people connect, celebrate traditions, and be inspired to capture meaningful moments in their lives. Anything that detracts from this purpose is not who we are. We are truly sorry for the hurt and disappointment this has caused.”