Hallmark Channel just debuted its first-ever same-sex wedding in new movie 'Wedding Every Weekend'

The Hallmark Channel's new original movie, Wedding Every Weekend, made history with its release over the weekend by featuring the network's first-ever same-sex wedding. This milestone — one celebrated by many and condemned by others — comes less than a year after the channel faced backlash for succumbing to criticism and pulling an ad showcasing a lesbian couple tying the knot. This time, however, the network is firmly standing its ground in support of its latest offering despite facing heat from the same group as before, which is once again petitioning for a boycott of the brand.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Wedding Every Weekend —which premiered on Saturday night — follows two protagonists who decide to attend four upcoming weddings together as friends to avoid being set-up. Over the course of the movie, the characters of Brooke (Kimberly Sustad) and Nate (Paul Campbell) experience diverse ceremonies, including one between two women. "It really reflects the world that we live in now," said actress Makayla Moore, who plays one half of the bride pair, in a behind-the-scenes look at the TV movie. "It's exciting to celebrate love in all its forms." 

The film's release sparked an extremely polarized discussion on social media with progressive viewers applauding the inclusive move and conservatives denouncing it as an attempt to shove an agenda "down our throat." Responding to the torrent of criticism, Hallmark wrote: We are proud of our movie, 'Wedding Every Weekend.' Our priority at Hallmark Channel is to develop a broad mix of content, characters, and stories in order to create a Hallmark experience where everyone feels welcome.

Meanwhile, One Million Moms, the same conservative group behind the petition that led to Hallmark Network's removal of the controversial ad (a decision that was later revoked), has once again started a petition to get its supporters to boycott the channel. The socially conservative group — which on its website describes itself as "the most powerful tool you have to stand against the immorality, violence, vulgarity, and profanity the entertainment media is throwing at your children" — accused the company of having "caved to LGBTQ pressure" and "catering to the Left."

The petition, which had racked up over 67k signatures as of Monday morning, reads: "The once conservative network has recently caved to LGBTQ pressure and has done a one-eighty from the wholesome content the channel once aired, and the network is now catering to the Left. So many people feel betrayed by Hallmark over these past seven months. Hallmark Channel was one of the remaining channels that families could watch without being bombarded by politically correct commercials and the LGBTQ agenda. One Million Moms is boycotting all things Hallmark. This includes Hallmark Channel, Hallmark wrapping paper, greeting cards, Christmas ornaments, etc."

On the brighter side, Wedding Every Weekend is only the first of new LGBTQIA+ content promised by the network. "Diversity and inclusion is a top priority for us and we look forward to making some exciting programming announcements in the coming months, including announcements about projects featuring LGBTQ storylines, characters, and actors," a Hallmark Channel spokesperson told PEOPLE in July. "We are committed to creating a Hallmark experience where everyone feels welcome."