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Update: Dollywood Refunds Offended Lesbians in ‘Marriage is So Gay’ T-Shirt Flap

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (The Blaze/AP) — Dollywood officials have offered a refund to a lesbian couple after an employee asked one of the women to turn her T-shirt inside out to hide the slogan “marriage is so gay.” Last week, The Blaze first reported on the women’s discrimination claims following the incident, which has gained national attention.

Park officials called off a meeting with the couple when Jennifer Tipton and Olivier Odom wanted to bring a representative from Campaign for Southern Equality, a gay rights organization.

Dollywood park spokesman Pete Owens told The Knoxville News Sentinel that the park didn‘t want to meet with the representative who wasn’t at the park at the time of the incident, so they sent the couple a letter and gave them a refund. Last week, Dolly Parton issued a statement as well. KnoxNews.com has more:

“I am truly sorry for the hurt or embarrassment regarding the gay and lesbian T-shirt incident at Dollywood’s Splash Country recently. Everyone knows of my personal support of the gay and lesbian community. Dollywood is a family park and all families are welcome,” said Parton in the statement.

While Parton did not apologize for a park dress code policy that forbids offensive T-shirts, she did conclude: “I am looking further into the incident and hope and believe it was more policy than insensitivity. I am very sorry it happened at all.”

The couple complained after a park worker last month asked Odom to reverse her shirt to avoid offending other visitors. The incident has caused Dollywood officials to say that they will take a second look at clothing regulations for the upcoming year. In an e-mail to the Odom, Dollywood spokesman Pete Owens wrote:

“Dollywood also apologizes if you felt uncomfortable or hurt in any way during your visit. Please know that Dollywood takes pride in being open to everyone every day.”

The couple is disappointed that the meeting did not take place, but they are hopeful that their activism as a result of the incident had a positive impact for the gay marriage movement.

Comments (152)

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  • SLIDELLMAN
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:15pm

    “Park officials called off a meeting with the couple when Jennifer Tipton and Olivier Odom wanted to bring a representative from Campaign for Southern Equality, a gay rights organization.”

    What did I say? I said these morons only wanted the dress code to NOT apply to LGBT members. And now, here is the proof.

    Report Post »  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:02pm

      To be fair:
      1) They actually DID apply the dress code to these lesbians, only apologizing later.
      2) They probably allow T-Shirts that say “Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve,” or any one of the number of conservative cliched responses to gay marriage, in.

      According to U.S. law as it stands, private individuals or corporations have the right to dictate, at least in part, some of the extent of rights you have which are normally constitutionally absolute, when on their property. For example, you don’t have unlimited free speech when it comes to private property–you can‘t go stand in someone’s yard and read aloud the Declaration of Independence to them through a megaphone at two in the morning for example. It’s really up to them to decide the rules, but I SERIOUSLY DOUBT, with a ~60% chunk of the population (someplaces higher some lower) that Christians, and their political opinions, face serious structural discrimination in most of America–I SERIOUSLY doubt that.

      Report Post » The Third Archon  
    • GIDEON612
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 12:01am

      Dollywood’s error was letting them in in the first place.

      Report Post » GIDEON612  
    • Marci
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 12:05am

      They were asked to turn the shirt inside out because it is offensive. Let’s face it, the phrase “that’s so gay” seems to be only allowed to escape the lips of of the gay and politically condoned. Had anyone else worn the shirt, they would have been told it was offensive to gays. They were not TARGETED. I am over with special rights. You do NOT have the right to demand everyone accept your way of life. There is a difference in tolerate and accept—they do not know the difference. They were treated the same as anyone else would have been had they been wearing the same shirt. I call b.s.

      Report Post » Marci  
    • jzs
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 12:49am

      Marci, those are just three words on a t-shirt. Those words don’t advocate violence, hatred or prejudice. The few who might see the irony of those three words on this person would likely be amused.

      Nor are those three words, printed on a t-shirt “demanding” anything of anyone. Words on t-shirts don’t “demand” anything of anyone anymore than a smiley face “demands” you to be happy. It’s just a shirt. It’s just a few words. Why do you even look at word on t-shirts and react to them?

      No matter. In a few years this topic will be one that people ridicule alongside the objections to “women’s rights” in the 60′s.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 1:11am

      God did not make gay COWS…

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • Marci
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 1:47am

      JZS–Just like a moonbat to twist and contort one’s words. Can you read?? The issue is they were not targeted for their sexuality. I give a damn not about the words nor do I care about their sexuality. However, they used this event to push their agenda and play victim. And the fact remains—people are expected by these activists to ACCEPT them, not tolerate them. So, JZS, let me separate the two for you so it is crystal clear to you and easy for you to comprehend.

      The t-shirt itself was never an issue to me or anyone else. The park has a right to ask them to turn it around just as they would ask someone else to do so for another phrase or WHATEVER they want as it is a private entity. The incident that occurred because they played victim does matter. Clear to you? Or do you need a chart?

      Report Post » Marci  
    • William
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 10:00am

      Good give the dykes their money back and hope they don’t come back. Marriage is between a man and women not a women who thinks she is a man and another woman.

      Report Post »  
    • jzs
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 11:28am

      Actually, maybe I do need a chart to follow your logic. You seem to be objecting to what this couple expects of you based on the t-shirt, but it has nothing to do with the t-shirt, it’s that they want to force you to accept them, etc. Have you spoken to these people about what they expect and are demanding of you? Yeah, a chart would be nice.

      But believe Dolly Parton responded to your post above. Maybe you should take it up with her.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • Libertyluvnmomma
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 4:52pm

      Geez, the carpet cruncher on the left looks like a domestic violence victim- is that a black eye?

      Genesis 19….was a warning ,Yo!

      Report Post » Libertyluvnmomma  
    • Sheepdog911
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 5:34pm

      Oh come on, this is just a bunch of water over the ****, er, under the bridge. Let Bi-gones be Bi-gones. No apologies necessary, just give them the same boot you’d give us if we offended your policies.

      Report Post » Sheepdog911  
  • the58thstate
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:12pm

    looks like the one on the left just got outed..

    Report Post »  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 2:00am

      Dolly Parton is a class act with her letter – good for her! http://wp.me/pYLB7-1ia

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • 65Mustang
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 10:08am

      I agree with MARCI…. they wore the shirts to state their case and too cause a scene. Why didn’t they just give a demonstration of their perverted sex in front of everyone at the park. It’s all about them.

      Report Post »  
    • encinom
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 10:49am

      It is only bigotted christians that would feel challenged by words on a t-shirt. If your faith is so week, that these three words are an affront to it, maybe you should re-exaimine your faith.

      Report Post »  
    • Libertyluvnmomma
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 4:55pm

      Encinom- we “bigoted Christians” aren’t allowed to stand for something?

      I guess in the future we should call you up and ask which way the culture winds are blowing Huh? ….probably right up your skirt!

      Report Post » Libertyluvnmomma  
    • Libertyluvnmomma
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 5:02pm

      ..I mean MONICNE

      Report Post » Libertyluvnmomma  
  • normbal
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:12pm

    Keep your shirt on, here’s a refund.

    Fashion police hit Dollywood.

    Details at eleven.

    Report Post » normbal  
  • the58thstate
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:11pm

    no more dollywood for me. i guess ill just ride more of the go carts and pretend to be a kid again there. my hard earned money isnt going to any business that i know of bowing down to these hacks.

    Report Post »  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:25pm

      You sure do not want to go to Disney then! :-P

      I enjoy Dollywood and Splash Country. Pigeon Forge in general is a very God fearing, friendly place. I suppose Dolly has to worry about publicity and such and I am all for live and let live myself. Just because we acknowledge sin does not mean we condone it. Homosexuality has always been with us and we know it will only get worse in the years to come. JZS is right below, it will become accepted and gay marriage will become a normal thing. We cannot fight the world, but we are not to be part of the world either. Just spread the Word and try to reach those you can.

      Report Post »  
    • Seasoldier
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:43pm

      It’s unfortunate that Dollywood chose to offend the majority of families in favor of the currently politically correct strategy of giving in to the homosexual/lesbian activists. Can we please stop using the “gay” euphemism to refer to homosexuals and their activities? It’s a perversion of the language meant to confuse the public into believing there is something good about homosexual activity. Introducing such euphemisms into the public discourse is a typical tactic of the Socialist Culture of Death Elitists and is meant to provide cover for their promotion of policies and activities the public usually doesn’t support, e. g. abortion (“choice”, “reproductive rights”), euthanasia (“death with dignity”), new/increased taxes and income redistribution (“investment”, “shared sacrifice”), etc.

      Report Post »  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:54pm

      Dollywood did not offend me.

      The carpetmuncher’s shirt did not offend me. Obama shirts and bumperstickers offend me much worse.

      Gay no longer means happy, it means either queer or stupid. In my mind those are both close enough that the dual meaning presents no problem.

      Report Post »  
  • AmericanStrega
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:06pm

    So if I wore a t-shirt that said “Gays Who Want To Be Married Are Idiots” would I be offending them? I‘m offended that they’re offended that I’m offended by their stooopid t-shirt.

    Report Post »  
  • clingingtogodandguns
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:03pm

    Until Obummer becomes Dictator which is about 2 months before the next election then they have a private business and they can allow who they want in their business.If you don’t like it take your dollars elsewhere.Stop trying to shove your lifestyle down our throats.And your lifestyle and sexual preference
    you weren’t born that way you lying bitch.You made that as a choice.

    Report Post »  
  • freedomisasfreedomdoes
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:01pm

    well just to say. She says she did wear the shirt to make a statement and that it was the only thing clean. That could more than be true. But she did buy the T-shirt because of the statement. She even states that she is in support of gay marriage. True that there are other people other than gay people that would wear that shirt. She did buy the shirt bc of the statement. Free speech

    Report Post » freedomisasfreedomdoes  
  • godhatesacoward
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:00pm

    @Chips- should be 4 but I can barely see 2.

    Report Post » godhatesacoward  
  • Citrus93TA
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:00pm

    Wow love really is blind because these 2 bark bark bark !

    Report Post »  
  • 4X4in
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 9:57pm

    The problem, I believe is that they want more rights than the rest of us.
    Grow up, change the shirt, and go in and have a good time!

    Report Post »  
    • dmforman
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:01pm

      Agreed. They don’t realize that others have rights as well.

      Report Post »  
  • mikenleeds
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 9:56pm

    you freaking sick-o are a cancer in our country that is destroying the fabric of America

    Report Post » mikenleeds  
  • spirited
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 9:55pm

    So, now dress an codes are offensive (too)?

    >21 better fore-go the required dinner jacket.

    Report Post » spirited  
  • kentuckypatriot
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 9:53pm

    Smart thinking of Dollywood to call off the meeting after the couple wanted to bring a rep from a gay rights organization, who knows what they would demand.

    Report Post » kentuckypatriot  
  • junior1971
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 9:53pm

    I am not gay. But, I gotta say, marriage sucks if both people are not happy. In our society, it appears that they are right! Divorce and seperation is the in thing now. I wonder how it would be if both parents were there to raise their children?

    Report Post » junior1971  
  • jzs
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 9:50pm

    Who cares? Really, why does anyone care if two women act like a couple?

    For all you have a problem with this, I hope you live another 10 years. Seriously the teenage generation approaching adulthood for the most part simply doesn’t care.

    We’ve been through this time and time again in American history. Look back. We, as a country, were against people with different religions marrying, people of different races marrying, people of different social classes marrying and etc. And no doubt, some people are against all of those things. But decade by decade people care less and less.

    And that will happen in this case, it’s just a matter of time. Proclaim that it’s immoral, like Americans did with interracial and interdenominational marriage. That’s fine. But the generation behind you really doesn’t give a dang. And this is no more a decline in morals than interdenominational marriage was forty years ago. Sorry everybody. The world is changing. If you think it’s changing for the worse, well that’s what the Greeks said 2000 years ago.

    Report Post » jzs  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 9:52pm

      “For all you have a problem with this, I hope you live another 10 years. Seriously the teenage generation approaching adulthood for the most part simply doesn’t care.”
      Yup.

      Report Post » The Third Archon  
    • mr.goodvibe
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 9:53pm

      I might not have been offended if they were attractive.

      Report Post » mr.goodvibe  
    • PASSIONFORCHRIST
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 5:55am

      @jzs: This is for you, YOU WILL CARE, WHEN YOUR BOWING AT THE THRONE OF GOD FOR JUDGEMENT DAY(which is coming soon, remember Sodom and Gomorrah) & HE ASKS YOU WHY YOU DID NOT CARE!!

      Report Post »  
    • jzs
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 8:33pm

      PASSIONFORCHRIST, I think I’ll be fine. I do worry about you though. Have you read Leviticus? Eaten any shellfish in your life? Worn clothes with two kinds of fabrics like a cotton blend? Have you ever any any pork? Try explaining to the Big Guy your cafeteria style of Christianity, picking and choose what passages you liked, and which you chose to ignore.

      Passion, that’s half a joke, but I’d worry about the afterlife if I were. The God I believe in doesn’t love hatred, doesn’t love intolerance, anger and hatred judgement of peaceful citizens on this good Earth who have done not what thing against you. Get your rant against the majority of humankind ready and be prepared to explain why hatred filled your heart more than love and understanding. Good luck friend.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • therockczar
      Posted on August 4, 2011 at 1:53am

      @JZS My teenage kids care, because they are part of the your generation that gives a crap and they have intelligence, unlike you–

      Report Post » therockczar  
    • therockczar
      Posted on August 4, 2011 at 1:56am

      @JZS
      Also sounds like you’ve created your own god–what did you name him? Sounds like he fits your beliefs instead of the other way around–

      Report Post » therockczar  
  • spirited
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 9:49pm

    If privacy about one’s “sexual orientation” is an issue

    >try wearing a dirtier shirt next time.

    Report Post » spirited  
  • commonsenseguy
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 9:48pm

    did anyone look at the woman on the lefts eyes, she looks like she was suckered punched in both eyes, or she is really strung out on some thing, i think one of them had her/ it’s name changed because she/he/it name is oliver, looks like a punk kid to me,

    Report Post »  
    • southerngal
      Posted on August 3, 2011 at 8:30am

      What do you tell a woman with two black eyes? ….. nothing, she has been told twice already.

      Report Post »  
  • commonsenseguy
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 9:41pm

    get over it, it is okay for them to offend others, but they can’t be offended. what a bunch of crap, this idiots think they are special because they are gay, so what , i am a married man of 25 years, an i am offended when i see some gay person with a shirt on like that, but that makes me a racist and it makes the heroes for their causes,what a bunch of hypercritical bullsh-t. if i walked into a gay club with a shirt that read i am straight and proud of they would ask me to leave,{ not that i would } or some other saying ,so get over you double standard look at me i am special bull sh-t.

    Report Post »  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 9:51pm

      “if i walked into a gay club with a shirt that read i am straight and proud of they would ask me to leave,{ not that i would…”
      Because you’re gay…?
      “get over it, it is okay for them to offend others, but they can’t be offended.”
      How is what they did offensive? One of them wore a shirt saying “marriage is so gay”–and indeed they are entitled to the opinion, and many others share it, that marriage should be allowed for gays (obviously the shirt has double meaning). Regardless this is silly anyway.
      “so get over you double standard look at me i am special bull sh-t.”
      It’s not a “I’m special double standard” if you are literally asking to be treated THE SAME as other couples who want to get married INSTEAD of different (which, I will remind you, is the status quo).

      Report Post » The Third Archon  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:09pm

      So if they can wear a shirt that says, “marriage is gay” can I wear one that says, “gay is stupid?”

      Report Post »  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:32pm

      “Save the Lickalottapuss”

      Report Post »  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:53pm

      No you couldn’t wear a shirt that said “gay is stupid” for two reasons:
      1) The same reason they didn’t let the lesbian wear a shirt that said “marriage is gay”–they would probably think your shirt, even more so since it doesn‘t have a possible double political meaning that isn’t just epithet against something you don’t like, was potentially offensive to patrons.
      2) As I mentioned your shirt, unlike “marriage is so gay” (which cleverly could both mean that the wearer thinks marriage is silly/stupid OR that the wearer thinks marriage is, in fact, (or should be) open to gay couples, “is so” being an idomatic expression meaning “is, in spit of your objections” (i.e. you might respond back to someone who had just said Batman wasn’t the greatest superhero ever that Batman “is so the greatest hero ever”). Your example, on the other hand, has only one possible meaning: “I think being gay is stupid,” and while you are perfectly entitled to your wrong opinion, its still just an epithet and nothing more–it doesn’t have any clever political satire in it that made it redeemable.

      For example, the shirts “Marriage is so straight,“ or ”I think gay marriage is gay” would be perfectly fine hilarious examples of this.

      Report Post » The Third Archon  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:09pm

      I don’t know…That explanation sounds awful gay to me!

      Report Post »  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 11:18pm

      Lol, touche sir, touche.

      Report Post » The Third Archon  
  • KEA
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 9:41pm

    Find God!

    Report Post »  
  • lonewolf57
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 9:38pm

    What would Jesus say about this,if he were alive right now?

    Report Post » lonewolf57  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 9:52pm

      Well since Jesus was never married…

      I’m sure he would spout of some hippie peace-crap about loving your neighbor or some such nonsense.

      The Third Archon  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:19pm

      No, I am sure He would tell them about their sin and what they could do to be free from it. He would not overlook it but He would give them the choice to continue in it. :-)

      Report Post »  
    • lonewolf57
      Posted on August 2, 2011 at 10:45pm

      I think he would say to them….don’t be a radical,don’t be an idiot.Read my testimonials,read my words. …

      Homosexuality is an illicit lust forbidden by God. He said to His people Israel, “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination” (Leviticus 18:22). “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them” (Leviticus 20:13). In these passages homosexuality is condemned as a prime example of sin, a sexual perversion. The Christian can neither alter God’s viewpoint nor depart from it.

      Report Post » lonewolf57  
  • HisNameWasRobertPaulson
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 9:37pm

    Their ACTIVISM? It wasn’t positive, it was rude and embarrassing.

    I am sick of anyone who thinks you can just skirt reality and just behave any old way you want to.

    These are the people telling us to be civilized, yet still wear that offensive shirt with THE ABSOLUTE INTENT of offending people, then having ABSOLOTE INTENT of claiming discrimination and being offended.

    Sick of this behavior. It is wrong in the head.

    Report Post »  
  • SHOWMESTATEGUY
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 9:37pm

    The couple in the picture do look “so gay” don’t they.

    Report Post »  
  • Doug Piranha
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 9:36pm

    I’m offended that this, ahem, woman made a mockery of the sacrament of marriage. Can I sue?

    Report Post » Doug Piranha  
  • Rational Man
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 9:36pm

    Small price to pay if it will make them shut up and go away!

    Report Post » Rational Man  
  • chips1
    Posted on August 2, 2011 at 9:35pm

    I thought this site wasn’t allowing obscene stories and yet they have a picture of two boobs. Hard to explain.

    Report Post »  
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