GLASTONBURY — The Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce is facing backlash over its 2016 “Men of Glastonbury Chamber” calendar.
The calendar’s pictures showcase male chamber members strategically posing with products and signs.
According to the Hartford Courant, one of the photos – showing a little boy posing among realtors with a “Sold” sign over his midsection – is drawing strong criticism from the Family Institute of Connecticut.
In an article on its website, the Institute criticized the Chamber of Commerce for “peddling pictures of a naked boy,” saying the photo should be considered “posing.”
Glastonbury residents who spoke with FOX 61 had mixed opinions on the calendar. Some found the photo with the young boy to be distasteful.
“Don’t put a little child into it,” said Andy Ahlberg. “I think that’s just crossing the line.”
“I can see why people are concerned about it,” said Gretchen Chapdelaine. “I don’t have a huge issue with it because I know that they had clothes, but I can see where there’s some concern about it.”
“I think they’re all really funny, except for the one that has a child in it,” said Alex Hartley. “And that’s kind of messed up.”
Others thought the calendar was funny.
“It really doesn’t bother me,” said Roy Chapdelaine. “I think it’s pretty funny, and I just think it’s for a good cause.”
“There’s nothing really being seen,” said Tricia Sinclair. “It seems fine. If that’s what they [chamber members] wanted, they put it out there for themselves.”
“I wouldn’t say they were really inappropriate,” said Josh Jones. “I would say they’re more comical.”
According to the Courant, the calendar has been published since 2013.
