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 marriagein 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 —plus a kiosk inside  Booksellers— 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 Starbucks 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."

North Haven Patch is asking its Facebook followers what they think of the USA Christian Ministries group's boycott of the coffee giant. Get in on the conversation here.

Some readers have already weighed in on the issue.

Lisa Scafariello calls the boycott "ridiculous", while Sharon Cerasoli comments that the protest, "would not influence me...I support marriage rights for all."

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."

Would Starbucks' stance on gay marriage or its policy on guns affect your coffee habits? What do you think of the USA Christian Ministries boycott of the coffee giant? We want to hear from you. Leave your opinion in the comment section.