Hallmark reverses position on same-sex couple ads after public outcry

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This advert for online wedding planning company Zola, showing a same-sex couple at the altar, was pulled by Hallmark Cards, before the chief executive officer apologized for the decision on Sunday (December 15) and then announced that the company would reverse the decision.

TWEET FROM HALLMARK CHANNEL THAT READS:

"Crown Media Family Networks apologizes for the decision to remove an ad featuring a same-sex couple. "We are truly sorry for the hurt and disappointment this has caused," said Mike Perry President & CEO, Hallmark Cards Inc. Full statement here:"

Hallmark Channel faced a public outcry after it pulled the ad last week - under pressure from the conservative group One Million Moms.

Comedian Ellen DeGeneres was among many who took to Twitter to express their disappointment.

TWEET BY ELLEN DEGENERES, HOST OF "THE ELLEN SHOW" THAT READS:

"Isn't it almost 2020? @hallmarkchannel, @billabbottHC... what are you thinking? Please explain. We're all ears."

TWEET BY DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE PETE BUTTIGIEG THAT READS:

"Families are built on love-no matter what they look like. Being "family friendly" means honoring love, not censoring difference. This truth will be more important than ever as we rebuild our nation into a place defined by belonging, not by exclusion."

And the LGBTQ advocacy group GLAAD launched a boycott featuring the hashtag #BoycottHallmarkChannel.

CEO Mike Perry said the Hallmark Channel "will be reaching out to Zola to reestablish our partnership and reinstate the commercials."