Starbucks denies claims it ‘banned’ Pride decorations in US stores
Starbucks has adamantly denied claims from its workers union that Pride decorations have been banned in a number of US stores. “For the last two weeks, Starbucks workers have taken to social media to report that the company is no longer allowing Pride decorations in-store,” the Starbucks Workers United organisation wrote on Twitter on 13 June. “This seems to be the first year the publicly ‘pro-LGBTQ+’ company has taken this kind of stance.” It said the company was “taking a cue from Target” after the retailer recently bowed to pressure from conservatives and removed some of its Pride collection from stores. “If Starbucks was a true ally, they would stand up for us, especially during a time when LGBTQ+ people are under attack,” the thread continued. “A company that cares wouldn’t turn their back on the LGBTQ+ community to protect their already astronomically high profits.” READ MORE: Target pulls some of its Pride collection after conservatives threaten staff In a press release, Starbucks Workers United alleged that workers were “given a number of different reasons” as to why Pride decorations were no longer permitted.
These were said to have included a lack of available staff hours and safety reasons after some workers in Target were threatened by right-wing shoppers. “We’re deeply concerned by false information that is being spread” Starbucks has since refuted the claims that Pride decorations have been banned and said there “has been no change to any policy on this matter”. “We unwaveringly support the LGBTQIA2+ community,” a spokesperson told Newsweek. “There has been no change to any policy on this matter and we continue to encourage our store leaders to celebrate with their communities including for U.S.
