One Million Moms threatens to boycott Oreo for celebrating proud parents of queer kids

The ultra-conservative, anti-LGTBQ organization One Million Moms has picked a new target. The religious lobbying group which 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," is now threatening to boycott Oreo and its parent company Mondelez for releasing a heartwarming film on the importance of family love, support, and affirmation for LGBTQ+ youth. In clear "Won't somebody please think of the children!" style, the group accused the cookie company of "brainwashing children and adults" by showing them loving parents who accept their queer children.

"Oreo and parent company, Mondelez International, have begun airing a gay pride commercial which has absolutely nothing to do with selling cookies. Mondelez International is attempting to normalize the LGBTQ lifestyle by using their commercials, such as the most recent Oreo ad featuring a lesbian couple, to brainwash children and adults alike by desensitizing audiences," reads the group's warning. "The company is collaborating with PFLAG and celebrating their LGBTQ advocacy work. It is obvious they are going after our children in a dangerous partnership with PFLAG." Yep, they actually pulled the "going after our children" stunt.

As we previously reported, Oreo's film titled Proud Parent, highlights the crucial role parents play in fostering acceptance in the LGBTQ+ community and reminds viewers that "a loving world starts with a loving home." Starring a real-life couple, the film is part of a year-long #ProudParent initiative to empower and inspire parents, families, and allies to come out in loud, public support of their loved ones. It follows the tale of a young woman named Jen who goes home to introduce her family to her girlfriend Amy. Although her mother greets Amy with open arms, Jen senses reticence from her father even as he welcomes her sister's husband without any inhibitions. However, he eventually gets over his qualms as he witnesses the real affection Jen and Amy have for each other and extends an olive branch in the form of a heartwarming surprise for the couple.

This, according to One Million Moms, should be very concerning to parents. "Oreo and Mondelez International need to hear from you. Supporting the homosexual agenda versus remaining neutral in the cultural war is just bad business. If Christians cannot find corporate neutrality with Oreo’s and Mondelez, then they will vote with their pocketbook and support companies that are neutral," the group stated. It urged supporters to sign a petition to the popular cookie brand and its parent company.

The petition reads: "I am extremely disappointed that Oreo and Mondelez are refusing to remain neutral in the cultural war. Mondelez is pushing the LGBTQ agenda on families with their most recent Oreo commercial and collaboration with PFLAG. If Mondelez cannot remain neutral, then I will no longer buy your products." It has garnered 17,164 signatures as of Thursday. It seems unlikely that Oreo — which has long been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights — will pay much heed to the group's efforts.

"It’s widely known that family support and acceptance are critical to the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ individuals, especially young, Gen-Z members of the LGBTQ+ community. OREO feels that by supporting and uplifting LGBTQ+ and ally voices, and connecting the experiences of proud parents and allies across the country, we can help contribute to the development of a community where LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive," Justin Parnell, Senior Director, OREO brand at Mondelēz International, told Forbes earlier this month. The company has also launched the #ProudParent campaign in celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month this October, "encouraging fans to share a photo of what allyship means to them on social."

For more information on ProudParent, click here.