Starbucks Faces Boycotts over Positions on Gay Rights, Guns

Some religious and political groups are urging customers to grab their morning coffee elsewhere in light of the company's support of gay marriage and its policy on guns.

USA Christian Ministries, a group boycotting Starbucks for its recent support of gay marriage in 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," said Steven Andrew, president of USA Christian Ministries.

Two Starbucks are located in Richland Township — one store is near and the other is inside the in Grandview Crossing shopping center. 

In a statement last week, Starbucks joined Microsoft and Nike in publicly supporting gay marriage, according to the Seattle Times. In its statement, KalenHolmes, executive vice president for partner resources, said the company 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."

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 a company policy that allows 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 was to "eliminate the risk of guns in public places and ultimately to bring sane gun laws to the U.S."