A photo meant to portray the love of a couple has unlawfully been used to promote prejudice with an anti-LGBT organization seeking to attack the campaign of State Senator Jean White, a proponent of civil union legislation.
The couple, Brian Edwards and Tom Privitere of New Jersey, were kissing in the photo taken at their 2010 engagement party.
The photo was altered by hate group Public Advocate of the United States to include a snowy Colorado-like backdrop with the text, "State Sen. Jean White's Idea of 'Family Values?'"
The couple was, understandably, shocked when they realized that their photo had been used to mock the relationships of the LGBT community.
"We were heartbroken to see that our picture that was taken to represent love and family, and our values, and to share with other LGBT couples, was used for complete opposite purposes to induce fear and spread hate and bigotry," Privitere said.
The couple and photographer are now threatening to sue Public Advocate United States if they do not stop using their photo.
Support the couple whose photo was used without permission in a hate mailer!
We the undersigned would like to express our support for your fight against the homophobia of the Public Advocate of the United States.
Their use of your photo to serve the purpose of discrimination, prejudice and hate is simply shameful.
Your photo is a token of the love and commitment you share for each other and this should not be used to incite homophobia.
Your actions against the Public Advocate of the United States and their ignorance is an inspiration to stand up to the bullying of hate groups across the United States.
Please accept our comments and signatures as motions of support in your fight.
Thank you.
