In a time when the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community is making strong advancements toward equality, our adversaries are digging deep into the pockets of corporate America to put a stop to marketing, advertising and support for LGBT issues, organizations and events. The latest attempt came on Dec. 7, when Ford Motor Company announced it would discontinue advertising its luxury Jaguar and Land Rover brands to the U.S. LGBT market.

For many years, Ford Motor Company has made tremendous progress with LGBT issues and diversity. In 2004 and 2005, Ford was the only automaker to score a perfect 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index, signifying a sincere understanding and promotion of LGBT equality. The initial decision to discontinue advertising in a market where Ford has shown leadership was shocking and disturbing.

At a time when Ford Motor Company and numerous other major corporations face significant profit losses and feel the pinch of our economy, pulling advertising from a loyal population that has a combined buying power of over $600 billion simply doesn’t add up. Ignoring a commitment to diversity and succumbing to the pressure of these religious groups flies in the face of all progress that major companies have made in building a relationship with the LGBT community.

In today’s politically charged society, homophobia runs rampant and discrimination against the LGBT community is still legal. Actions such as this only promote the hatred and inequality that exist. This type of inequality must be addressed, not just by advocacy groups and organizations but by each individual. Just think of the outcry if Ford Motor Company had issued a statement saying it was pulling its national advertising from magazines like Vibe, Jet and Ebony. We, like those communities who have struggled for equality before us, have and will continue to join together to combat these seemingly small actions that chip away at our greater goal: equality.

Groups like the American Family Association and Focus on the Family are attempting to generate momentum in the corporate world by attacking corporate support for the LGBT community with an aim at undermining the progress we continue to make. In the past few weeks – along with Ford Motor Company – Kraft Foods, Wells Fargo and Focus Features have been pressured by religious groups for actions ranging from the release of Brokeback Mountain to the support of the Gay Games. Each of these companies, in time, have renewed their support of the LGBT community and reinforced their commitment to diversity.

But this is not just about advertising, nor is it about the products we enjoy purchasing. The actions of these conservative religious groups are part of a larger and ongoing attack on the LGBT community. An attack aimed directly at the stripping of domestic partnership benefits, mandatory employee diversity training, transgender health benefits and marriage equality.

In collaboration with many LGBT organizations, as well as our National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, the Greater San Diego Business Association called upon Ford Motor Company to reverse its decision. With great diligence and unwavering resolve, our leaders met with Ford, and on Dec. 14, Ford stated that they would not only continue advertising to the LGBT community but would increase their advertising to include all eight of the Ford brands: Ford, Mercury, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Austin Martin and Mazda.

Clearly, this is a success we can be proud of. It is heartening to know that commitment to diversity and equality won over the scare tactics of religious groups. However, our battle does not end here. As we move forward, we face many more obstacles to our equality, from ballot measures that promote marriage discrimination to more attacks by religious groups on our community and those who support us. The GSDBA, along with other organizations and those we represent will continue to advocate on behalf of LGBT business owners, employees and consumers. We will continue to make the business case for equality.

We each must take a part in this movement toward equality. Please take a moment to e-mail Ford Motor Company and thank them for their commitment to true diversity. Send your support to Charlie Holleran, vice president and chief communications officer at Ford Motor Company, at chollera@ford.com.