Ford Motor Company Squelches Rumors, Reaffirms Inclusiveness, Importance of GLBT Market

In a letter dated December 14, 2005, Joe W. Laymon, Group Vice-President, Ford Motor Company, Corporate Human Resources, wrote to Gay and Lesbian representatives, that "You asked us specifically to reaffirm our principles of nondiscrimination and inclusiveness. We agreed, without any reservations, and issued a statement immediately after the meeting in which Bill Ford did personally." He continued in his letter to GLBT organizations, ..."You asked directly for us to have Jaguar and Land Rover reverse its plans and advertise in gay and lesbian targeted publications in 2006." "As we said Jaguar and Land Rover made a business decision about their media plans and it would be inconsistent with the way we manage our business to direct them to do otherwise." "However it is clear there is a misperception about our intent." As a result, we have decided to run corporate ads in these targeted publications that will include not only Jaguar/Land Rover but all eight of Ford's vehicle brands." "As we have said, the content will be appropriate and effective in connecting with the intended audience." "It is my hope that this will remove any ambiguity about Ford's desire to advertise to all important audiences and put this particular issue behind us."
The apparent reason for this statement today was a reported rumored agreement that had been struck between Ford and the right wing American Family Association to not advertise in GLBT publications.
It is to Ford's credit, that they moved swiftly to squelch these rumors and reaffirm their commitment to inclusiveness.