McDonald's and Coca-Cola are sidestepping questions over whether they are concerned that GLBTI New Zealanders may boycott their products due to their sponsorship of next year's Winter Olympics in Russia. The fast food giant and soft drinks mogul have made it clear they will not pull sponsorship, despite GLBTI rights advocates here and overseas condemning their ethical stance, due to Russia’s anti-gay laws. In a GayNZ.com poll, 69 per cent of respondents say they will consider boycotting products from both companies in protest at the continued sponsorship. When this figure was put to McDonald’s and Coca-Cola in New Zealand, both referred GayNZ.com Daily News to statements from their global HQs which wax lyrical about respect for diversity, but did not address pointed questions on how they feel about potential boycotts and whether they might reconsider. Questions on whether there have been any complaints from LGBT staff about the sponsorship also went unanswered. McDonald’s global statement reads that “there’s no room for discrimination under the Golden Arches,” and that: “McDonald's welcomes respects and values the diversity, culture and unique differences of our 69 million customers and nearly two million employees around the world. We’ve been a proud sponsor of the Olympic Games for 37 years and support the spirit of the Games and its ability to unite the world in a positive and inspirational way. "We remain engaged with the IOC on this issue and encourage ongoing, constructive dialogue. We also support the International Olympic Committee’s belief that sport is a human right and the Olympic Games should be open to all, free of discrimination, and that applies to spectators, officials, media and athletes.” A similar statement from Coca-Cola adds “We believe a more positive impact can be made through continued involvement, rather than by sitting on the side lines,” as it vows to continue to promote “values for diversity and tolerance around the world through our policies and actions”. Meanwhile, protests continue about the decision to keep the Olympics in Russia, sparked by a law President Vladimir Putin signed in June which bans the "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations to minors". There has been an upsurge in homophobic violence in Russia since the law came into effect, and GLBTI advocates report suicide rates are soaring. However the International Olympic Committee (IOC) maintains it is satisfied that Russia is capable of hosting such event, claiming the nation has committed itself to comply strictly with the provisions of the Olympic Charter and its fundamental principles, which include an anti-discrimination provision.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 8th October 2013 - 7:18am