Wells Fargo Won’t Pull Ad Featuring Lesbians

Wells Fargo says the bank will not be swayed by religious groups joining Charlotte evangelist Franklin Graham's call for a boycott and will continue with its national advertising campaign featuring a same-sex couple, reports the Charlotte Business Journal.

Graham took to social media last week to announce he was pulling the accounts for the Billy Graham Evangelical Association out of Wells Fargo because of the bank's recent commercial featuring a lesbian couple -- reportedly, actual Wells Fargo customers -- learning sign language before adopting a young deaf girl.

But the televangelist's decision to bank instead with BB&T Corp., itself a visible supporter of gay pride events in Miami, had MSNBC's Rachel Maddow crowing with glee.

"It turns out his new bank is so much gayer than his old bank," said Maddow. "The universe has a way of making these things work out!"

Graham responded in a column in USA Todaythat "there is a difference between being friendly and being a public advocate."

Although other religious groups have joined Graham's chorus against Wells, including the anti-LGBT American Family Association, Wells Fargo is standing firm.

"No, we will not be pulling the ad," said Wells spokeswoman Valerie Miller Williams in Charlotte.

Trending stories

JD Vance ruthlessly mocked after everyone in Greenland refused to welcome wife Usha Vance

Joe Biden has tied the record for most LGBTQ+ judges confirmed in federal courts

Where to stay in LGBTQ+ Ireland: Castles, domes and luxury retreats

The Charles is Pacific Grove's new LGBTQ+ hotel

Watch: In gay period romance 'Lilies Not For Me,' playful wrestling turns sensual (exclusive)

Gerald Garth is keeping people of color happy and healthy through trying times

Elon Musk uses burner accounts on X, doesn’t fact-check: report

Season 4 of The Switch on resilience & radical self-love returns this spring

How climate disasters hurt mental health in young people

Discover the power of Wellness in your life

Alan Cumming jumps for joy after major 'Avengers: Doomsday' casting news

Trump's orders prompt CDC to erase HIV resources

'Mid-Century Modern': Celebrate Linda Lavin's most iconic roles

All 6 rogue Mississippi cops got long prison sentences in 'Goon Squad' torture of 2 Black men

Discover why chic Costa Navarino is Europe's luxury getaway

​6 lesbian films coming we can't wait to see in 2025

Cowboys & Queens U.S. tour by Jane Hilton: A modern American dream

In 'Mid-Century Modern,' the 'gay Avengers' assemble for needed comic relief

Nathan Lee Graham wants 'Mid-Century Modern's queer viewers to 'lean into the joy'

France becomes world’s first country to enshrine abortion rights in constitution

SFAF's Dr. Tyler TerMeer says he'll continue to fight for health care for all

Matt Bomer, as a 'Mid-Century Modern' ditz, can finally 'experience queer joy'

Bob the Drag Queen shades Mistress Isabelle Brooks’ weight loss: 'Girl, you have to get new pads'

In 'Survival of the Thickest,' queer joy and activism are one and the same

From rock legends to Pride flags: Discover the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene in Asbury Park

• 0
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8

In a column titled Franklin Graham and Wells Fargo: Wrong Battle, Wrong People, Wrong Issue, Christian Today contributing editor Mark Woods said Wells's decision is simply business.

"They make ads because the ads sell products," Woods wrote. "If they used a lesbian couple in an ad, it's because they think it will make people like them. The only thing Wells Fargo was advocating is 'bank with us.'"

But Wells Fargo's embrace of LGBT equality appears to go beyond its bottom line, one of the bank's LGBT executives told the San Francisco Business Times.

"Our CEO, John Stumpf, very frequently will talk about LGBT inclusiveness and, talk about walking the talk, you can often hear him speak to the value that our LGBT team members provide," said Doug Case, senior vice president, small business segment manager.

David Gushee, a writer for the Religion News Service, concluded that the Graham boycott demonstrates ignorance of one important fact:

"Corporate America has already made its decision on the gay issue. Other than hiding his funds in a mattress, Graham has few banking alternatives."