Famous beer maker Heineken has announced it will drop its sponsorship of New York City’s centuries-old St. Patrick’s Day Parade because LGBT groups are barred from openly participating. “We believe in equality for all,” Heineken USA said.
GLAAD reports that Heinekin added, “we are passionate about equality for all people.”
GLAAD’s President and CEO, Sarah Kate Ellis, also offered a statement:
“A company’s values should be reflected in the events it sponsors. By ending support of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Heineken sent the right message to LGBT youth, customers and employees, who simply want to be part of the celebration. Other sponsors who support LGBT families should be quick to follow.”
Meanwhile, in Boston, Sam Adams beer — the nation’s largest, and the one that calls Boston home — announced it is boycotting Sunday’s Boston St. Patrick’s Parade. Organizers refuse to allow an LGBT veterans group to march openly. Boston mayor Martin J. Walsh is also boycotting, but is holding out hope a compromise will be reached.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio also is boycotting the iconic NYC St. Patrick’s Day parade, but marched in an unrelated parade in Queens.