Over Gay Marriage

Life with Archie #16, the issue in which Kevin Keller gets married (see " American Family Association "project" One Million Moms has urged its members to e-mail Toys R Us, asking it to “remove all the same-sex 'Just Married – Archie' comic books immediately from your shelves,” according to the organization’s Website. The automated e-mail members are being urged to send actually refers to#16, the issue in which Kevin Keller gets married (see " Gay Marriage in 'Life with Archie' "). "My decision to shop in your stores depends on it," it says.

The organization notes that Life with Archie is being sold "...at the front checkout counters so they are highly visible to employees, managers, customers and children." That's good news for comics, but the organization doesn’t like it in this case. "Unfortunately, children are now being exposed to same-sex marriage in your toy store," it says. "A trip to the toy store turns into a premature discussion on sexual orientation and is completely uncalled for."

Archie CEO Jon Goldwater released a statement to Robot 6 in response.

"We stand by Life with Archie #16. As I’ve said before, Riverdale is a safe, welcoming place that does not judge anyone. It's an idealized version of America that will hopefully become reality someday."

"We're sorry the American Family Association/OneMillionMoms feels so negatively about our product, but they have every right to their opinion, just like we have the right to stand by ours. Kevin Keller will forever be a part of Riverdale, and he will live a happy, long life free of prejudice, hate and narrow-minded people."