[Mpls] StarTribune won't accept ad showing 2 men kissing

[Tim Bonham]

I've heard a lot of controversy lately about the decision of the 
StarTribune advertising department to refuse to accept an ad for Twin 
Cities Pride Festival last weekend, because it showed 2 men kissing, which 
the StarTribune said was "inflammatory, gratuitious [sic], and inserted 
strictly for its shock value".

The advertising department refused to accept an ad showing 2 men kissing, 
but the next day's news coverage showed a photo of several lesbian couples 
kissing.  Is this an indication of the separation of the news and 
advertising departments at the Star Tribune, or is it just the old straight 
guy's idea that '2 lesbians kissing is "hot", but 2 men kissing is 
disgusting?

Perhaps one of the Star Tribune reporters on this list could comment on this?

Also, besides the usual reaction (people calling & emailing the Star 
Tribune cancelling their subscriptions), I have heard comments indicating 
that there may be a discrimination complaint filed with the Minneapolis 
Civil Rights Commission, because sexual orientation is a protected class 
under Minnesota law.  And apparently the Star Tribune accepted other 
advertisements with people kissing (even some on the same day they refused 
this one).  I'm wondering if such a complaint could be sustained, or does 
the Star Tribune as a private business have the right to refuse ads for any 
reason it chooses.  Can anyone explain the legal issues involved here?

Tim Bonham, Ward 12, Standish-Ericsson