Foxtel is facing a backlash from some subscribers after it decided to screen advertisements opposing same-sex marriage.

The ads, created by anti-gay marriage group Marriage Alliance, were knocked back by the Seven and Ten networks but have been screened by the pay TV provider.

People took to Facebook to vent their anger, with many saying they would cancel their Foxtel subscription.

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“Just cancelled my account – Netflix is much less homophobic, and better value,” Brendan Terry wrote.

“What’s new on Foxtel this week? Bigotry, hatred and lies,” wrote Bradles McBell.

Some question Foxtel for airing advertisements for I Am Cait, the new reality show about Caitlyn Jenner’s transition, alongside the anti-equality message in the ads.

“I love how you can promote this and then also put up anti-marriage equality ads up too, haha self contradicting much?” Joel Hubbard said.

The campaign urges people to consider how same sex marriage affects everyone.

Marriage Alliance’s campaign, which uses the line “It’s not as simple as you think”, says legislating to allow same-sex marriage may affect people’s rights across the entire community.

Foxtel replied to concerns, saying it was aware its decision to air the ad “has caused hurt and distress to some customers”.

“We believe this debate should be won by the force of the argument in favour of reform, not by refusing to engage in debate or allow contrary opinion to be put,” a spokesman said.

The company says it is a strong supporter of marriage equality and that it is screening a series of celebrity-backed ads calling for marriage equality.