Digiday Publishing Summit:

Connect with execs from The New York Times, TIME, Dotdash Meredith and many more

SECURE YOUR SEAT

Brands that took a social stand against Arizona anti-gay law

There was a time when brands avoided hot-button issues like equal rights for gays and lesbians at all costs, especially when they intersected with religious issues. Times are changing.

The Arizona legislature yesterday passed a law, which was promptly vetoed by the governor, that would have allowed businesses to discriminate against gay or lesbian customers on account of the religious beliefs of the store owners. The measure ignited widespread opposition across the political spectrum. And many brands are joining in to lend their voices against the bill.

This being 2014, many brands weren’t quietly letting their positions be known by signing petitions or privately contacting legislators. Instead, they trumpeted their opposition in social media. Not all were so vocal. Some opponents of the bill — Marriott, American Airlines, Apple and others — chose to stay silent on the matter in social media.

Here are some that are speaking up for equality.

PetSmart is an Arizona-based corporation that’s been out front.

Marc Benioff, the CEO of Salesforce.com, put pressure on the Arizona Biltmore, which didn’t respond to his tweet.

 

Rocco’s Little Chicago Pizza isn’t a big brand, but as Adweek notes it took a stand back on Feb. 20 against the bill — and has won new followers as a result.

Screen Shot 2014-02-26 at 3.38.43 PM

Same for Emerge Acupuncture in Tempe.
Screen Shot 2014-02-26 at 3.34.41 PM

Ben and Jerry’s is a reliable supporter of equality issues.

https://digiday.com/?p=66210

More in Marketing

Generative AI sparks brand safety concerns marketers know all too well

Despite concerns around brand misuse and IP, most marketers are sticking to traditional strategies.

‘Production is a big topic right now’: With AI moving beyond media, Publicis turns toward creative

The holdco is positioning AI as core infrastructure for ad production not just media buys.