Stephen Bennett Ministries says it merely wanted to post an ex-gay billboard in Albany, the capital of New York state:
The Stephen Bennett Ministries billboard
Bennett had little difficulty finding a privately owned ad firm to reject the ad (for reasons unknown). His response was not exactly discreet or diplomatic. He named the agency, provided links to pressure groups, and complained to WorldNetDaily:
“It never ceases to amaze me how biased and unfair the media really is,” he said. “Sharing my story has given thousands of people hope – homosexual men and women who are unhappy with their same-sex attractions.”
Bennett does not express an awareness of distinctions between corporate news media, corporate entertainment media, public broadcasting, and advertising venues. He shows little respect for the right of a company, liberal or conservative, to select its clients. He does not indicate the price he was willing to pay for ad space. He does not explain the poor technical quality of the ad graphic. Nor does he mention attempts to contact conservative regional advertising companies, of which there are several.
I am so pleased to see that Stephen Bennett got an exciting, new hairdo. That old puffy overblow-dryed, super-moused, cotton candy thing on his head was way over the top and, well, way to gay for an “ex-gay”. I want to make sure the world knows that I was the one who personally suggested the makeover for Stephen…and he actually took my advice. Who knows, after my book tour there might be a place for me on a spinoff – “Queer Eye for the Ex-Gay Guy”.