Starbucks weighs in on gay marriage debate

Support for marriage equality by the Australian arm of coffee giant Starbucks has been welcomed by gay rights advocates.

In an online statement released yesterday, Starbucks Australia said: “Core to who we are and what we value as a company is our belief in equal treatment of our partners (employees) and our customers.

“It is with this in mind that Starbucks Australia would like to publicly announce our proud support of marriage equality for all.

“Many of our stores and partners are actively participating in events and activities aimed at changing local legislation – together we can make a difference.”

Australian Marriage Equality (AME) said the support by the multinational company is a boost for the gay marriage campaign.

"Starbuck’s stand is based on principle and reflects the company's concern that its staff and customers are treated equally under the law," said AME national convenor Alex Greenwich.

Starbucks’ announcement comes only days after local competitor Gloria Jeans was found to have donated $30,000 to the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL).

The ACL has increasingly been focusing its attention on challenging same-sex marriage, including a boycott of Channel 7 after its breakfast program, Sunrise, backed Marie Claire’s ‘I DO’ marriage equality campaign.

Petitions and boycott campaigns against Starbucks and Gloria Jeans have been made from both sides of the argument.

In Australia, an online petition calls for a boycott of Gloria Jeans stores and presently has over 500 signatures.

In the US, Starbucks has been targeted by a boycott orchestrated by anti-equality groups for its support for marriage equality.

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