SEATTLE — Seattle Pride is dropping Amazon as a sponsor for their 2022 parade, the organization announced Tuesday.
In a statement, the organization says Amazon’s financial donations to politicians “who actively propose and support anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation” contributed to their decision to no longer partner with the tech company.
“As Seattle Pride continues to grow, it is our duty to partner with corporate organizations which actively support the LGBTQIA+ community, and whose values align with our own,” said the nonprofit in a written statement. “Seattle Pride is requesting Amazon – and all other corporate partners – take their business actions into account when sponsoring Pride events in Seattle and around the world.”
Seattle Pride noted that Amazon donated more than $450,000 to lawmakers who voted against the Equality Act in 2020.
“Amazon has long supported Seattle Pride because we believe that the rights of LGBTQ+ people must be protected,” an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement to KIRO 7. “Amazon engages with policymakers and regulators on a wide range of issues that affect our business, customers, and employees. That does not mean we agree with any individual or political organization 100 percent of the time on every issue, and this includes legislation that discriminates or encourages discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.”
Seattle Pride says it hopes to offset the lost sponsorship funds with donations from the community.