AFA launches boycott of Gap stores

  Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic, the three stores owned by San Francisco-based Gap Inc., are being targeted by AFA in a limited two-month boycott over the company’s censorship of the word “Christmas.”
  “The boycott is part of our ongoing campaign to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to put Christ back in Christmas,” said AFA President Tim Wildmon. “The boycott runs from November 1 through Christmas Day.”
  He said Gap has refused to use the word Christmas in its television commercials, newspaper ads and in-store promotions, despite tens of thousands of consumer requests to recognize Christmas and in spite of repeated requests from AFA to do the same.
  A week before Christmas last year, Gap reiterated its politically-correct policy to customers in a corporate statement: “Gap recognizes that many traditions are celebrated throughout this season and we feel it is important to display holiday signage that is inclusive to everyone.”
  “Christmas is special because of Jesus. It’s not just a ‘winter holiday,’” said Wildmon. “For millions of Americans the giving and receiving of gifts is in honor of the One who gave Himself. For Gap to pretend that isn’t the foundation of the Christmas season is political correctness at best and religious bigotry at worst.”
  Randy Sharp, AFA director of special projects, said that since Gap stores are boycotting Christmas, AFA will boycott Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy during the Christmas season.
  “Gap is censoring the word Christmas,” Sharp said. “Yet the company wants all the people who celebrate Christmas to do their shopping at their stores? Until Gap proves it recognizes Christmas by using it in its newspaper, radio and TV advertising or in-store signage, the boycott will be heavily promoted.”
  In the past AFA has played a part in convincing other retailers to change their approach. For example, Sears backed away from its censorship of the word Christmas and now even offers a Christmas Club on its Web site.
  Sharp suggested the following ways for AFA supporters to make their voices heard inside the Gap Inc. board room: 1) Visit AFA’s Web site dedicated to the boycott, www.boycottgap.com. 2) Follow up with a phone call. In a firm but polite manner, ask Gap to reconsider its policy of censoring Christmas.
  Let the company know that until you see “Christmas” in its advertising, you will boycott. The toll-free number is 800-427-7895. The company number is 650-952-4400.
  On a related note, AFA is keeping Christ in Christmas by making available the 2009 Christmas button. AFA is asking folks to wear and/or give away the buttons in order to get out the message that Jesus Christ really is the reason for the season.