New Campaign Highlights Major Companies Backing Antigay Politicians

A new campaign wants corporations like AT&T and Amazon to stop giving money to anti-LGBTQ politicians. Until that happens, the organization suggests consumers stop putting dollars in those companies' accounts.

The political arm for CREDO Mobile, a mobile virtual network directing revenue to progressive causes, launched a petition campaign today targeting AT&T, T-Mobile, Google, Amazon, Microsoft and Dell. Officials say those companies alone have donated more than $5 million to homophobic politicians, all while providing corporate sponsorship to Pride events and marketing to LGBTQ consumers.

"It is unacceptable for corporations to co-opt the pride flag in order to make a profit off the LGBTQ community while simultaneously giving millions to some of the most hateful, homophobic members of Congress," said Campaign Manager Thais Marques. of CREDO Action.

"AT&T, T-Mobile, Amazon, Google and other corporations, need to put their money where they say their values are and stop financing the politicians who are on the frontlines of Trump's war on LGBTQ people."

Petitions will go out today to millions of members.

CREDO Action shared information on political donations for a number of companies promoting a pro-gay image while funding anti-equality policy.

AT&T, for example, donated $2,755,000 to 193 any-gay politicians in the mid-term election cycle, according to the group. That included sending thousands to Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, who in 2011 tried to roll back marriage equality gains in Washington, D.C.

AT&T, Microsoft, Amazon and Dell also donated a collective $15,000 to Texas Rep. Brian Babis, who has pushed to rescind Obama-era protections for trans students seeking to use bathrooms matching their gender identity.

And then there's all the money sent to Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.

"These corporations must stop pretending to be allies of the LGBTQ community while bankrolling homophobic and hateful politicians," reads an email blast sent this morning to CREDO Active members.

"Will you add your name now to demand they stop funding hate?"