This is getting less and less funny

Via Medley, this story about a new UCC (United Church of Christ, or Congregationalists for you old timers) TV ad, which promotes the denomination's inclusivity. It's an old-fashioned "we welcome everybody message." But apparently it's too controversial for CBS or NBC:

"Because this commercial touches on the exclusion of gay couples and other minority groups by other individuals and organizations," reads an explanation from CBS, "and the fact the Executive Branch has recently proposed a Constitutional Amendment to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, this spot is unacceptable for broadcast on the [our] networks."

It is ridiculous that they would be concerned about the ruffle potential of a message of acceptance, given all the violence and mendacity that they broadcast happily every day. Is there any space at all between the press and the government anymore? It's hard not to think about the characteristics of fascism (note #6)...

Update: more good analysis by Josh of TPM here, including dissection of the ridiculousness of the claimed bases for refusing this ad (given their presumed willingness to take political ads, public service ads, and others that "take one side on a controversial issue"). eesh.