Apparently same-sex families pose such a threat to the public that even a family photo has to be censored so as to protect offending Arkansans’ sensibilities. This photo was taken at a Harps Food Stores in Arkansas where the manager placed a “protective shield” over US Weekly’s Cover feature of Elton John, David Furnish and their new son.

Really? A photograph of a loving family is the equivalent of an adult magazine depicting graphic sexual acts that warrants protecting young shoppers? Heaven help us if young people in Arkansas learn that gay couples can actually be wonderful, loving parents and same sex families exist outside their insular community.

While the grocery chain has succumbed to the pressure and discontinued their censorship, if you want to complain about their blatant homophobic bigotry, you can do by calling their main office at 877.772.8193 or use their contact form.

Update: I would remiss if I did not point out that it was only last year that a judge struck down Arkansas’ ban on gay adoption. In that ruling, Judge Christopher Piazza of the Pulaski County Circuit Court concluded:

Initiated Act 1 prohibits cohabiting same-sex couples and heterosexual couples from becoming foster or adoptive parents. It does not prohibit them from becoming foster or adoptive parents if they do not cohabitate. However, the act significantly burdens non-marital relationships and acts of sexual intimacy between adults and forces them to choose between becoming a parent and having any type of meaningful intimate relationship outside of the marriage. This infringes upon the fundamental right to privacy guaranteed to all citizens of Arkansas.