Barilla pasta president: Gays can eat another pasta brand

A Barilla pasta executive finds himself in boiling water (don't know if it is salted) as the result of remarks he recently made on an Italian radio show.

"We won't include gays in our ads, because we like the traditional family," Guido Barilla, president of the family-owned Barilla pasta company, told an interviewer, according to Raw Story and the Americablog, a progressive site. "If gays don't like it, they can always eat another brand of pasta. Everyone is free to do what they want, provided it doesn't bother anyone else."

Facing criticism, Barilla issued an apology.

“With reference to statements made yesterday, I apologize if my words have generated controversy or misunderstanding, or if they have hurt the sensibilities of some people. In the interview I simply wanted to highlight the central role of the woman in the family.”

Barilla also noted that he has “the utmost respect for any person, without distinction of any kind,” and “the greatest respect for gays and for the freedom of expression of anyone.”

While some have rushed to Barilla’s defense, citing free speech, others called for a boycott of Barilla products.

What do you think?

Contact this columnist at arobinson@DaytonDailyNews.com or Twitter.com/DDNSmartMouth

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About the Author

Amelia Robinson

Community Impact Editor Amelia Robinson is an award-winning columnist, features writer and podcast host. The Ohio University graduates work has appeared in the Dayton Daily News since 2000.