WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign, AmericaBlog.com and the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation yesterday called on the makers of Snickers, and its parent company Mars Inc., to pull an online ad campaign launched during the Super Bowl that depicted violent and anti-gay behavior by two actors. By the end of the day Monday, the ads and the additional footage of players from the Colts and the Bears had been pulled from the company website.

The ad featured two men who accidentally engage in a kiss while sharing a candy bar and then try to distance themselves from any perception of being gay by rushing to "do something manly."

"While we are pleased with the initial response from Mars, this is not the time to spike the ball," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "This is the time to establish a dialogue with this company about why images that encourage bullying, on the playground and beyond, are dangerous."

Added Solmonese, "After speaking with company representatives today, we hope to continue a dialogue and establish a working relationship with Mars Inc., as we have with the majority of Fortune 500 companies, about responsible marketing and fair workplace policies for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans."

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.