For those who have been following my posts on Gloria Jeans this week (see here and here), I have a great announcement. Oh, it’s so nice to be able to write something positive for a change. I’m practically dancing with joy!
Starbucks have just publicly announced their support for marriage equality!
This went up on their Facebook page just half an hour ago:
“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.”
Congratulations Starbucks! What great corporate citizens.
And good on Doug Pollard for suggesting to Starbucks it was a good time for them to make a public announcement.
So, all you people who have sworn off Gloria Jeans – now you know where you can order coffee, knowing the money won’t filter through to anti-gay groups.
And Mr Starbucks – Australian Marriage Equality is currently asking for donations to fund a television advertisement to counter one being produced by the Australian Christian Lobby. A sizeable donation to AME would be a wonderful confirmation of your support (and a great marketing/photo opportunity too!) I put in 50 bucks this morning and I reckon Starbucks has a bit more disposable income than I have. 😉
Chrys Stevenson
Update:
STARBUCKS’ SUPPORT FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY WELCOMED
Advocates have welcomed support for same-sex marriage from Starbucks Australia.Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich, said,“Starbucks’ support is a boost for the marriage equality campaign and is in line with the views of a majority of Australians.”“Starbuck’s stand is based on principle and reflects the company’s concern that its staff and customers are treated equally under the law.”This evening Starbucks Australia posted the following statement on its facebook page (www.facebook.com/StarbucksAustralia):“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.”Starbucks in the US already supports marriage equality, sparking a “Dump Starbucks” boycott by anti-equality groups.Mr Greenwich said any attempts at a boycott in Australia would be met with strong support for the company from supporters of marriage equality.Starbucks’ statement comes only days after it was revealed that Gloria Jeans coffee chain donated $30,000 to the Australian Christian Lobby in the 2010-2011 tax year. For more see: http://www.samesame.com.au/news/local/8529/Your-coffee-funds-Wallaces-rants.htm
Gladly, the Cross-Eyed Bear 
Woo Hoo to Starbucks, Doug Pollard and to you Chrys.
I haven’t been to Gloria whatsits in 3 years but I had a thermal mug which I ceremonially binned after reading your posts.
Chrys, I threw a 50 at the AME campaign too. I justified the expense by knowing it’s going to make some young kid’s life so much more liveable once this bigotry has been overturned. I wish I had more to spare…
Thank you for your hard efforts.
Hip hip hooray. Starbucks here I come. Chrys, you’re a marvel.
I think we should thanks Doug Pollard for the Starbucks thing more than me, Eva, but thank you!
I’ve boycotted Gloria Jeans for several years now. What a pity Starbucks still insists on paper cups. Also no class.
Fantastic News! Thanks for keeping us up to date. Thumbs Up for ‘Starbucks’ !! 🙂
I said to a friend tonight, it’s a strange world we live in when a corporation can recognise the value of supporting a political cause (because they obviously recognise its benefit to them as a business, rather than a risk), but a government can’t, when it is their responsibility to look after citizens. Starbucks only goal is making money. Some may see it as cynical, but I believe it’s good news indeed. A big business would not support something if they thought it would lose them money. The defiant JC Penney gay-friendly advertising campaigns in the US, despite fierce Christian opposition, are a good example of this.
Well said.
I agree. It’s a fantastic step but a little part of me can’t help but wonder whether they’re just jumping on the bandwagon. Still, it’s a good choice of bandwagon.
Starbucks in the US has supported marriage equality for some time now so this is not a sudden, one off response. It’s more an affirmation of their company policy.