Pro-Equality Starbucks Attacked as a “Hater of God”

Have you noticed how it's perfectly fine in the minds of the far right for businesses to back what they believe in politically and/or on the social issues front as long as it conforms to Christianist prejudices and bigotry? For example, the Christianists love Chick Fil-A and it's public displays of religiosity in the form of being closed on Sundays and all of the funding it provides to anti-gay organizations.

But God forbid that a business of a more enlightened political/social issue persuasion speak out publicly against the Christianist agenda. A case in point is Starbucks and the denunciations flowing from delusional Christofascists who are beside themselves over Starbuck's public support for same sex marriage in Washington State. I hope readers will make a point to patronize Starbucks to make it clear that many of us support the company's support- something seemingly confirmed by a Seattle TV station's survey. The Advocate looks at some of the hateful vitriol coming from religious extremists and Neanderthals. Here are some highlights:

Claiming that Starbucks’ support of marriage equality means it “hates God,” ultraconservative minister Steven Andrew is calling on Christians to get their caffeine buzz elsewhere. The Seattle-based coffee purveyor is among more than 100 companies that have pledged support for marriage equality in Washington State.

In an online post published this week, Andrew, president of a California-based group called USA Christian Ministries, says all Christians and their churches should boycott Starbucks. 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.”

He also claims gay people are only 1% to 2% of the population, says they have major “health concerns,” and calls on them to “receive Jesus’ forgiveness for sins.” “Starbucks can follow Satan if they want to,” he says. “However, pastors are to help Christians. Are you on the Lord’s side? Will you help the USA be blessed by God?

Seattle TV station KING conducted an online poll (admittedly unscientific) in which only 12% of respondents said they would cease buying products from a company that supported same-sex marriage rights, but 51% said they would be more likely to patronize such a company. Another 33% said the company’s stance would not affect their buying habits.

The sooner religious extremists like "Rev." Andrew are driven back into the social and political wilderness, the better off this country will be. Hate, the embrace of ignorance, and contempt for other citizens is not leading this country forward to compete and succeed in the 21st century.