NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The "No Gay? No Way!" campaign flew a plane over Nashville today with a message directed at Amazon.
With a banner attached to the plane that read, "Amazon HQ2: No Gays? No Way!," the campaign hopes to encourage Amazon to use their influence to stop anti-LGBT laws from being considered. Including in Tennessee, where Amazon is planning to build an Operations Center of Excellence in Nashville.
The flight of the banner is on the heels of the passing of the Tennessee Child-Placing Agency Religious Freedom Bill (HB 836). The argument against this bill is that it gives such agencies the right to deny adoption to LGBTQ couples looking to adopt a child.
The "No Gay? No Way!" campaign released the following statement after HB 836 was passed:
“As the Tennessee Legislature passes HB 836, the state is taking another step towards new forms of anti-LGBT discrimination, and Amazon- soon to be one of the city and states largest employers - remains silent. Amazon must get off the sidelines and exercise their influence to stop the anti-LGBT laws being considered. These laws impact real people: the future Amazon employees, their families and customers. Sitting idly by while the legislature attacks LGBT Tennesseans is not an option, and is an affront to the values that the company claims to support.”
However, local LGBT leaders say the "No Gay? No Way!" group is not local and the campaign is not helpful.
CEO of the the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce Joe Woolley told NewsChannel 5 Amazon has been working behind the scenes with lawmakers and even joined the LGBT Chamber.
Woolley said he's tried to get in touch with the campaign to discuss local anti-discrimination efforts, but hasn't been able to reach anyone.
