Groups to Boycott Starbucks Over Stances on Gay Rights, Guns
Separate boycotts criticize coffee chain's stances on national issues.
Some religious and political groups are urging Starbucks customers to grab their morning coffee elsewhere in light of the company's stance on gay marriage and its policy on guns.
USA Christian Ministries, a right-wing Christian group boycotting Starbucks for its recent support of gay marriage in the state of Washington, said in a news release that the coffee chain's decision has angered Christians.
"Christians are upset with Starbucks for turning against God," Steven Andrew, president of USA Christian Ministries, said.
The group hopes that, with full support from Christians, Starbucks, which operates a location in Half Moon Bay's Strawflower Center, could lose up to 80 percent of its business.
Starbucks joined Microsoft and Nike in publicly supporting gay marriage in a statement last week, according to the Seattle Times. In its statement, Kalen Holmes, executive vice president for partner resources, said the company embraces diversity and provides an "inclusive, supportive and safe work environment" for its employees.
"This important legislation is aligned with Starbucks business practices and upholds our belief in the equal treatment of partners," the statement read. "It is core to who we are and what we value as a company."
This isn't the first time the company has made headlines for taking a stance on gay marriage. In 2011, Starbucks was among a group of 70 business and organizations opposing the Defense of Marriage Act, CNN reported.
An unrelated Feb. 14 boycott is planned to protest the company's policy allowing customers with guns to be served.
The National Gun Victims Action Council, an anti-gun group, said in a Jan. 23 news release its goal is to "eliminate the risk of guns in public places and ultimately to bring sane gun laws to the U.S."
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In This article
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Starbucks Coffee
80 Cabrillo Hwy N, Half Moon Bay, CA (Located in Strawflower Shopping Center)
Thomas Alex
12:07 am on Friday, February 3, 2012
"could lose up to 80 percent of its business."
Yeah, keep dreaming!
Deb Wong
5:47 am on Friday, February 3, 2012
I know so many java junkies who patronize Starbucks every day. I am not a Christian, and I support gay marriage, so even though I don't usually stop at Starbucks, will do so more often now. Since most businesses don't state a belief one way or another (our business takes anyone who will pay in American dollars), Starbucks is courageous for making a statement at all.
Chris Dicker
11:56 am on Friday, February 3, 2012
Think it should be "Christians" not Christians!
jeff foreman
11:23 am on Saturday, February 4, 2012
Good for StarBucks. Not a coffee fan but will become one now...
Gene Strom
12:56 pm on Saturday, February 4, 2012
Everyone has their own beliefs, and the Bible is a reflection of Gods personna, what I find interesting is that if the Pastor wants Christians to Boycott Starbucks then HE CANNOT stop here. He will have to get Christians to boycott going out for dinner, the gym for a workout, MUST NEVER TOUCH A COMPUTER , let alone buying the software I am sure the Pastor uses!, do not buy flowers for his services, or a sick church member, no investments no health or life Insurance!!! Stop shopping at your fav grocery store! The point being you can be against Same Sex Marriage but to ask for a boycott then you must boycott ALL the services for they also support Same Sex Marriage We are commanded to be loving and kind to our neighbours and all judging will be Gods and not by one of us imperfect humans!! I do not personally agree with Homosexuality, but I do have co workers and friends and even family members who are in this lifestyle. And to be truthful as much as I do not like it I still enjoy these people and their caring, hard work, got my back covered honest attitudes! Many of you work with people and are served by your favorite customer service person who are in or support same sex marriages and guess what you love these people! Oh how I hate the phrase these people, we are all humans deserving respect.
Sunrise716
5:05 pm on Saturday, February 4, 2012
JESUS chose to be crucified when we were still his enemy, and though I can not even spell well, I do love Christ. I pray you will love the people as he chose to be beaten and killed for all of us and like Jesus hate the behavior. Those who choose homosexuality weather by a gene in their system, or not, can have their rights to be united they do NOT have to call it marriage. Praying blessings for ALL who read this.
J.P. Lyons
3:09 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
The actual charter of the group they support says the destruction of American marriages. Read well, before you assume, sheep.