Indian brand ‘withdraws’ same-sex marriage advertisement after facing threats from Minister [VIDEO]
The advertisement attracted major online trolling until it finally caught the eye of The Madhya Pradesh Home Minister, Narottam Mishra.
According to media reports, Dabur, an Ayurvedic & Natural Health Care Company in India, recently advertised a lesbian couple celebrating Karwa Chauth – an Indian festival dedicated to celebrating marriage’s beautiful bond. While the company attempted to normalize the stigma surrounding same-sex or homosexual marriages with its campaign, the idea backfired.
The advertisement attracted major online trolling until it finally caught the eye of The Madhya Pradesh Home Minister, Narottam Mishra. Reports state that the Minister threatened Dabur India Ltd to take the advertisement down. Slamming the ad, Mishra said:
If they aren’t stopped now, in the future, they will show two men taking ‘feras’ (marrying each other according to Hindu rituals). The police have ordered the company to withdraw the ad. And if it fails to do so, legal steps will be taken after examining the advertisement.
Fem's Karwachauth campaign has been withdrawn from all social media handles and we unconditionally apologise for unintentionally hurting people’s sentiments. pic.twitter.com/hDEfbvkm45
— Dabur India Ltd (@DaburIndia) October 25, 2021
Following the threats, the company removed the advertisement from all online platforms. It issued a statement that said:
Fem’s Karwa Chauth campaign has been withdrawn from social media handles, and we unconditionally apologize for unintentionally hurting people’s sentiments.
It should be noted that while the majority objected to the ad, some people praised Dabur for promoting a topic other than fairness. Actress Pooja Bhatt tweeted:
Pity, a giant like Dabur, refused to stand behind their AD. While I don’t endorse a fairness cream in principle, I reserved my comment as they attempted to celebrate Inclusivity and Pride. So why hide now?
बस यही करते रहो.. slam,bam,ban! So much for being the ‘Mother’ of democracy! Pity a giant like #Dabur refused to stand behind their AD. While I don’t endorse a fairness cream in principal I reserved my comment as they attempted to celebrate Inclusivity & #PRIDE So why hide now? https://t.co/avzq1XafgW
— Pooja Bhatt (@PoojaB1972) October 26, 2021
It is pertinent to mention that over the years, Delhi High Court has received many petitions seeking recognition of same-sex marriages. However, homosexual marriages are not legally recognized in India, nor are same-sex couples offered limited rights such as a civil union or a domestic partnership.
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