When Starbucks publicly announced its support for gay marriage, in light of the recent legislation sweeping its home state of Washington, not everyone raised up their coffee cups in agreement. In fact, ultraconservative minister Steven Andrew is urging Christians to get their caffeine buzz elsewhere, and going as far as claiming Starbucks’ support of marriage equality means it “hates God."
In an online post published this week, Andrew, president of California-based group USA Christian Ministries, says all Christians and their churches should boycott the Seattle-based chain. “Christians are upset with Starbucks for turning against God, but we are glad to know that Starbucks doesn’t pretend to be for Christians,” he says in the post. He cites Bible verses that call homosexuality “an abomination” and those who oppose biblical tenets “haters of God.”
"Starbucks is proud to join other leading Northwest employers in support of Washington State legislation recognizing marriage equality for same-sex couples," Starbucks executive vice president Kalen Holmes announced in a press release. "Starbucks strives to create a company culture that puts our partners first, and our company has a lengthy history of leading and supporting policies that promote equality and inclusion."
"It is core to who we are and what we value as a company. We are proud of our Pride Alliance Partner Network group, which is one of the largest Employer Resource Groups for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) employees in the U.S., helping to raise awareness about issues in the communities where we live and work."
If those opposed to Washington's legislation want to protest against the coffee company, they should also note the multitude of other corporations that have publicly announced their support for marriage equality, including Nike, Google and Microsoft. That's a lot of products to protest.
Washington Governor Christine Gregoire joins forces with the Human Rights Campaign and contributes her own 36-second spot for the Americans for Marriage Equality video series. The video was released online on Thursday, Feb. 2, the day after the Washington State Senate passed the marriage equality bill. Gov. Christine Gregoire has pledged to sign the bill. If approved, Washington would be the first West Coast state to embrace marriage equality. California briefly recognized gay marriage in 2008. Thanks to Proposition 8, a voter-approved ban went into effect.
Governor Gregoire states in the video, “As an American, a wife and mother, marriage equality is fair, just and right. And it is time.” We applaud Gregoire for making this video and for taking a stand for marriage equality.
A federal court in California will rule on Thursday whether Proposition 8 trial footage should be released. But, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals won’t rule on the voter-approved gay marriage ban, according to mercurynews.com.
Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker
The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals continues reviewing an appeal of Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker’s declaration that Prop 8 is unconstitutional.
Opponents have challenged the openly gay Walker’s objectivity.
Marriage equality is making its way to Washington state. The state senate passed a gay marriage bill by a vote of 28 to 21 Wednesday, the Advocate reports. It’s expected to sail through the house within the next two weeks.
Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire has pledged to sign the bill. With that said, Republican groups are already positioning themselves to overturn the law. Democrat Brian Hatfield is playing both sides of the fence. Hatfield endorsed the bill, but supports putting the law on the ballot.
Sen. Brian Hatfield
"I believe that ultimately this question should be decided by the voters of Washington," Hatfield said.
If approved, Washington would be the first West Coast state to embrace marriage equality. California briefly recognized gay marriage in 2008. Thanks to Proposition 8, a voter-approved ban went into effect.
Personal experiences inspired impassioned pleas from Washington state Sens. Debbie Regala, D-Tacoma, and Kevin Ranker, D-San Juan Island. Regala recalled when her interracial marriage wasn’t legally recognized, while Ranker stressed the love and support of his gay father.
State Sen. Cheryl Pflug was one of four Republicans who supported marriage equality.
Civil rights leader and U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia, is heading to the Garden State to champion marriage equality, northjersey.com reports.
Lewis will stand alongside U.S. Rep. Rush Holt Jr., D-New Jersey, and New Jersey Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver during a Monday press conference.
He’ll take on New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s claim that all civil rights could have been gained by popular vote. Lewis was a Freedom Rider and student activist during the civil rights movement of the 1960s.
New Jersey Democratic state lawmakers, who control the legislature, believe gay marriage is a civil right.
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Washington Governor Christine Gregoire joins forces with the 
