By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
Even though only two U.S. states permit homosexual marriage, American icon and greeting card giant Hallmark Greeting Cards is introducing a line of wedding cards for same-sex couples.
“Two hearts, one promise,” reads the message inside one card that Hallmark decided to add after California joined Massachusetts as the only states that allow same-sex marriage. Because a handful of other states allow same-sex civil unions, the language in the cards is kept neutral, mentioning neither wedding nor marriage, which makes them suitable for commitment ceremonies as well.
Hallmark insists the move was not political, but in response to consumer demand.
“It’s our goal to be as relevant as possible to as many people as we can,” Hallmark spokeswoman Sarah Gronberg Kolell told the Associated Press.
Hallmark started offering “coming out” cards last year, and the four designs of same-sex marriage cards, which include two tuxedos, or intertwined hearts and flowers, are being gradually released this summer and will be widely available by next year. The company will allow individual stores to choose whether or not to add the latest offerings.
Family groups such as the American Family Association (AFA) are condemning the move.
“We’ve all given or received Hallmark Cards,” said AFA founder and president Donald E. Wildmon. “Remember their slogan – ‘when you care enough to send the very best.’ But promoting same-sex marriage for profit is not the very best for families or our nation.”
The AFA is encouraging people to write to Hallmark to express their displeasure at the company’s endorsement of an unhealthy lifestyle that remains illegal in 48 states.
As Wildmon correctly points out, Hallmark’s largest competitor, American Greetings Corporation, has no plans to enter the market, saying their current offerings are general enough to speak to a lot of different relationships.
Contact the Chairman of Hallmark Cards, Donald J. Hall, at 2501 McGee Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64108; Phone 816-274-5111 or E-mail him at: sgronb3@hallmark.com
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