Some pearls are being well and truly clutched in Hungary this week, with conservative politicians and commentators threatening to boycott Coca-Cola for the brand's new 'love is love' campaign.
The campaign, which includes three posters and the slogan 'zero sugar, zero prejudice', was launched to coincide with Hungary's popular week-long Sziget festival, which this year is themed 'love revolution'.
While earning praise from members of the local LGBTIQ+ community, some supporters of conservative Viktor Orbán’s nationalist Fidesz party, which opposes same-sex marriage, were left outraged by the campaign's "provocative" images - with right-wing news publications fanning the flames of upset.
“The homosexual lobby is laying siege to Budapest, leaving no space to avoid this,” wrote a contributor to outlet Pesti Srácok, according to The Guardian.
However, Coca-Cola backed its campaign.
“The three different posters feature both hetero- and homosexual couples drinking Coca-Cola,” a statement from the company read.
“With this we really want to convey a message: our belief that everyone has the right to affection and love; that the feeling of love is the same (#loveislove). Many advertisements – not just Coca-Cola's – divide people's opinions: some like them, some do not. Of course we respect the opinions of others that differ from our own.
"We believe that we are all equal, irrespective of our nationality, religion, gender, age, ethnic background, spoken language, hobbies and opinions. We believe that both hetero- and homosexuals have the right to love the person who is best for them.”
While discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is illegal in Hungary, same-sex marriage is yet to be legalised.
