Amazon blocks anti-LGBT hate group from charity ‘Smile’ program

Amazon has come under fire from anti-LGBT activists after it blocked a listed hate group from taking part in a charity scheme.

The tech giant’s AmazonSmile scheme allows charities to receive a small portion of the proceeds of sales made via the site.

However the Alliance Defending Freedom, a US-based Christian group that frequently brings lawsuits aiming to undermine LGBT rights protections, is furious to be excluded from the platform.

The ADF has opposed same-sex weddings, gay adoptions, civil unions, and even the repeal of Sodomy laws, strongly opposing the 2003 Supreme Court decision to strike down state laws banning gay sex. It was caught waging a campaign to keep gay sex illegal in other countries.

Amazon opted to ban the group from the platform after being made aware that it was listed as a hate group by extremism watchdog the Southern Poverty Law Center.

(Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

The ADF responded by accusing Amazon of religious discrimination.

In a letter to Amazon, the ADF’s Michael Farris said: “We were surprised and disappointed to learn that you have terminated the participation of Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) and ADF Foundation in the AmazonSmile program.

“Even more concerning is your reliance upon the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) to make that determination.

“ADF is a faith-based organization and the world’s largest legal organization advocating for the freedom to peacefully speak, live, and work according to one’s convictions without fear of government punishment.

“Our organization is well respected in the legal profession as one of the nation’s most successful Supreme Court advocates.”

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