Trump-affiliated Christian group attacks Hilton Hotels for ‘promoting homosexuality’ in magazine ad
An influential Christian anti-gay group with links to Donald Trump has launched a boycott of Hilton Hotels, claiming they are ‘promoting homosexuality’.
The American Family Association is one of the most prominent anti-LGBT Christian lobbying groups in the US.
Just weeks ago Donald Trump invited the AFA’s President Tim Wildmon to ‘advise’ him on policy and religion.
At the time, the Trump campaign dismissed criticism of the meeting with the AFA – which has been listed as a hate group by extremism watchdog the Southern Poverty Law Center for several years.
But the group has this week accused Hilton Hotels of ‘promoting homosexuality’ – after an ad taken out in Travel and Leisure magazine featured two men in a bed.
The AFA fumed: “In the June, 2016, issue of Travel and Leisure magazine, Hilton Worldwide shocked readers by placing a full-page ad that featured two men in bed together.
“Travel and Leisure isn’t a gay-specific magazine sent directly to homosexual’s homes. It’s a widely distributed mainstream publication that can be found in many public places such as doctors’ or auto repair waiting rooms.
“If Hilton had advertised two men playing tennis, cards, or having lunch, that would have been reasonable. However, Hilton chose to make a cultural and social statement by purposely marketing the promotion of homosexuality to a large segment of the population who finds the idea of two men sleeping together unnatural and offensive.
“So far, Hilton is defending its decision to promote homosexuality in the magazine and will likely take it further with other forms of mainstream media.
“Hilton said, ‘Hilton Worldwide is a global company of diverse cultures serving diverse guests…We are proud to depict and reflect our guest diversity in our advertising’.”
The group’s letter to Hilton says: “I am offended by your ad in the June issue of Travel and Leisure magazine, featuring two men in bed together.
“If Hilton is going to advertise in mainstream media, at the very least, it should promote with images that reflect a family friendly atmosphere.
“In addition, I urge you to meet with pro-family leaders who represent my values and concerns over this matter.”
