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Amy Andrews Gossip Girl by Amy Andrews

Could JC Penney’s fire Ellen DeGeneres for being 'openly gay'? - VIDEO

Posted on Friday, February 03, 2012 at 09:31 AM

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Ellen DeGeneres

A group called OneMillionMoms.com has called for Ellen DeGeneres to be axed from her new JC Penney spokesperson role, only weeks after she was appointed.

The group, which is a project of the American Family Association, told it’s readers to petition against the talk show host being named the new spokeswoman for the department store, as she is openly gay.

“Funny that JC Penney thinks hiring an open homosexual spokesperson will help their business when most of their customers are traditional families,” reads a statement on the sites official website.

“DeGeneres is not a true representation of the type of families that shop at their store. The majority of JC Penney shoppers will be offended and choose to no longer shop there,” the statement warned.

“Ask JC Penney to replace Ellen DeGeneres as their new spokesperson immediately and remain neutral in the culture war,” it advised supporters.

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Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (Glaad) came out in defense of the bigotry.
“While designated hate groups try to start ‘culture wars,’ it’s clear that a vast majority of Americans today support Ellen as well as their LGBT friends and family members,” Herndon Graddick, Senior Director of Programs and Communications said in a statement.

“Selecting an out performer who has inspired and entertained millions, is not only a smart business practice, but a reflection of how LGBT Americans today are an integral and valued part of the fabric of our culture.”

Speaking about her new role last month, DeGeneres revealed to her audience that it was not the first time she has worked for the department store.

“One of my first jobs ever was working at the JC Penney in Louisiana in ladies’ apparel. It was the 70s so if you were looking for tube tops or flared trousers then I was your girl.

“This is a full circle moment because I am excited to announce my partnership with JC Penney,' she said.

She added: “And most importantly, I'm gonna get my employee discount again. Hello new pillows!”

JC Penney CEO, former Apple executive Ron Johnson, explained why the company chose DeGeneres to the Associated Press: “I think Ellen is someone we all trust. She's lovable, likable, honest and funny, but at her soul, we trust her”.

Here's E!'s report:

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ChillaxinATT | Mar 15, 2012, 02:54 PM EDT

How dare they say that they should fire Ellen because she is Gay!? She is one of the best celebrities out there, who donates most of her money, helps families in need, loves animals, and much more. She is a total inspriation to most people, straight or gay. I love her to death! I support her all the way and would boycott JCPennyś if they fired her for being gay. That would be totally wrong and unfair. Theyŕe lucky they have Ellen.Go Ellen:)

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SingleDonald | Feb 07, 2012, 01:47 PM EST

Sound posts by Heather911! Also, ProudCanadian! Did anyone notice a mistake, in the article? "(GLADD) came out in defense of the bigotry". I don't think so; they're opposed to the bigotry! To reflect on ProudCanadian's post, I avoid places which demand their employees address same, or near age people, "Mr./Mrs./Miss". However, I don't discoursge others from going there!

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ProudCanadian | Feb 04, 2012, 04:24 PM EST

The Conservative morons are at it again telling the folks that frequent JCP not to do so. Why do they think that they have to tell people what to do? Who died and made them God? If Ellen's lifestyle behooves them so much all they have to do is stop shopping at JCP. We have Walmart stores all over Canada and I don't shop there because I don't like how they treat their employees, but I don't go around telling other not to shop there. Censorship is a terrible thing and has no place in society, We are all adults and can make up our own minds. Thank you ladies but get a life.

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Nicomax | Feb 04, 2012, 12:58 PM EST

For what reason are they complaining? Is being a lesbian illegal? We now know some of how stellar members of the military are such? Should they also not be considered for a spokesperson position? Reminder to the American Family Association- you can harbor any beliefs you choose, but you shouldn't try to force everyone to also believe.

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joanxis | Feb 04, 2012, 12:14 PM EST

Your boycotting of JCP's will be your loss, jjkleprechaun, not the store's. What a pitiful way to live your life - letting a person's sexual orientation scare you into avoiding life.

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Heather911 | Feb 04, 2012, 11:09 AM EST

2RhodeIsland, the funny thing is, there are gay people everywhere. If the traditional families didn't want to promote it, they might as well stay at home and never leave their house. Live off the land and become that of a Quaker. I consider myself raised with Traditional Roots but I guess I was blessed with common sense when it comes to situations like JCP and Ellen. In biblical terms, traditionalists use the scripture that God wants us to not be of this world. That is correct but it didn't mean to become a hermit. It means do not follow the wages of sin and live in such situations and lifestyles. Has nothing to do with buying your linens from JCP. These same traditionalists are the ones who believes Doctors are bad and God can heal their sick. True , he can do that, but Luke was a Physician, and it is the knowledge that God gave Luke to heal the sick. Sorry for that rant, ignorance just sets me off.

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2RhodeIsland | Feb 04, 2012, 10:53 AM EST

Gee, I wonder if all those "Traditional Families" have stopped going to Disney World on account of Ellen's Energy Adventure ride......

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Heather911 | Feb 04, 2012, 10:45 AM EST

I don't approve of the lifestyle but it is her business. She has a right to do what ever she wants. So be it. We are not to judge her as a person, we are not God. I do not base my purchases on who represents what. If I did that, I would be up the creek without a paddle. Every organization out there , has some sort of practice that is considered immoral or unethical to others and if I spent my time researching who to shop from as a result, I wouldn't have a single penny or a grain of sand to my name. I think people need to stop worrying about other peoples lifestyles and instead, check their own closets. Mind your own business and trouble will not come to you. I have to survive in this world, and there are things that JCP has in which I need. God gave people wisdom and knowledge, USE IT! Have the Wisdom to know that just because you shop at JCP doesn't mean you lose your salvation.

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jjkleprechaun | Feb 04, 2012, 10:36 AM EST

Sorry, "jamieLM" -- your logic originates in your wallet, not your Soul! I too frequent JCP, salon, clothes, etc., but will not agree on who they call their "representative." I do not "hate" ED, I don't support her life style nor will I financially support any company that promotes what she stands for and it's obvious they are reaching for a larger market.

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jamieLM | Feb 03, 2012, 10:03 AM EST

I'm a JCP customer in a traditional family who happens to like Ellen. Good grief. When I'm shopping at JCP, I won't be thinking about Ellen's sexuality. I'll be thinking about what's on sale.

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