Barilla Won't Use Gays in Advertising

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The CEO of Barilla Italian pasta company sounded anti-gay on a radio show. Although the interview was in Italian, blogger translated Guido Barillo's comments into English:

"We won't include gays in our ads, because we like the traditional family. If gays don't like it, they can always eat another brand of pasta. Everyone is free to do what they want, provided it doesn't bother anyone else."

Re-thinking his comments the next day, Barillo said,

"With reference to statements made yesterday, I apologize if my words have generated controversy or misunderstanding, or if they have hurt the sensibilities of some people. In the interview, I simply wanted to highlight the central role of the woman in the family."

Barilla

Here's the audio, which is useful if you speak Italian.

Image source.

Discussion Starters:

  • Some are calling for a boycott of Barilla products. Would you follow along if you typically bought the pasta? Why or why not?
  • Assess the CEO's follow-up message. How, if at all, does it affect your view of the company?