Groups to Boycott Starbucks Over Stances on Gay Rights, Guns

Some religious and political groups are urging 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 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 one location in downtown Birmingham, 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 reads. "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."

On the Birmingham Patch Facebook page, Patch readers were mixed on the issue. Donna MacMurray Klein said Starbucks should stay out of politics.

"Corporate executives should refrain from linking a business identity to some controversial cause or politics," she said.

Others announced their full support for Starbucks.

"(These) topics have no bearing on me and I will continue to support them as much as possible," said Tammy Hernandez. "Especially for some of the phenomenal things they support in our community. Perhaps some coffee will help those in favor of discrimination wake-up."

"Now I have a reason to go to Starbucks," Todd Robinson added.