(see related) (ANSA) - Rome, September 26 - Italian activists and politicians launched a boycott of products from Barilla, the world's largest pasta producer, shortly after company president Guido Barilla said Thursday he would never show gay families in advertisements.
"We accept his invitation to not eat his pasta," said Aurelio Mancuso, president of gay-rights group Equality Italia, in response to Barilla's remarks that gays could eat another pasta if they didn't like his message.
Barilla made his statements on the Italian morning radio program La Zanzara.
By midday, the hashtag #boicottabarilla (boycottbarilla) was trending on Twitter, thanks in part to outrage voiced by some Italian politicians.
"Here we have another example of homophobia, Italian style," said Alessandro Zan, an MP with the left-wing SEL party. "I'm boycotting Barilla and I invite other MPs...to do the same. I've already changed pasta brands.
Barilla is terrible quality". Barilla, whose company also has a large line of sauces and other jarred foods, also had his supporters.
"Solidarity with Guido Barilla (amid these) attacks on civil liberties," said Maria Rita Munizzi, president of the Italian Parents Movement (Moige).
"We appreciate the choice to showcase his products with the natural family".
(photo: Guido Barilla)