When Publishers Get It Right

I started reading this piece by Anne Almasy, a wedding photographer who wanted to place an ad in Weddings Unveiled, and went from being really angry to very happy.

After talking with them, she sent along her credit card info and the half-page ad she wanted to run. Then, the editor contacted her – could she choose another photo?

The photo she had chosen, of two happy women on their wedding day. “We just don’t feel comfortable publishing an ad featuring a same-sex couple. These aren’t our personal beliefs, of course, but, you know…”

Almasy protested, the magazine declined to run the ad and, if that were the end of the story, I would agree with her anger. (Yes, I understand it’s a privately owned publication, so they have the right to refuse the ad. But I also have a right to think that they are trashy, weak-kneed hicks that are stuck in some 16th century version of Morality Now.)

But then … then … the right thing happened.

The publishers sent her a note, overriding the editor’s decision.

We are two women who operate a small business that we care deeply about. We love all weddings. We love all people and would never want to anger, offend or disappoint anyone. We are deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support for Anne. We are so sorry that we have disappointed you and we ask for your forgiveness. If Anne would still like to run her ad in Weddings Unveiled, then we would be proud to publish it.

This isn’t about journalism, but it most certainly is about doing what’s right, I think. (And, yes, that’s my opinion and I know some readers will be offended by that statement and I’m okay with that, I stand by my beliefs with the same fervor as those who want to stand against them.)

Go read her original blog post, feel the anger swell, then fall as you get to the end. It’ll make you feel happy.

(Thanks to Mickey Osterreicher for the link.)