Will Starbucks Boycott Come to Ames?

Some religious and political groups called for boycotting Starbucks for its approval of gay marriage and its policy to serve gun owners.

The manager of the only in Ames declined comment on the boycott and directed calls to corporate headquarters. Starbucks brand coffee can also be purchased at local and at but their employees are managed by the stores not Starbucks.

USA Christian Ministries, a group boycotting Starbucks for its recent support of gay marriage in the state of Washington, said in a news release that the coffee chain's decision has angered Christians, a Patch in reported.

"Christians are upset with Starbucks for turning against God," Steven Andrew, president of USA Christian Ministries, said.

Washington is set to join the state of Iowa and five other states in legally recognizing same-sex marriage. The senate approved the legislation already and the house is expected to by early next week, according to an article in the Vancouver Sun.

Starbucks joined Microsoft and Nike in publicly supporting gay marriage in a statement last week, according to the Seattle Times. In its statement, Kalen Holmes, executive vice president for partner resources, said the company embraces diversity and provides an "inclusive, supportive and safe work environment" for its employees.

"Starbucks is proud to join other leading Northwest employers in support of Washington State legislation recognizing marriage equality for same-sex couples," Homes said in a prepared statement.

"This important legislation is aligned with Starbucks business practices and upholds our belief in the equal treatment of partners," the statement read. "It is core to who we are and what we value as a company."

This isn't the first time the company has made headlines for taking a stance on gay marriage. In 2011, Starbucks was among a group of 70 business and organizations opposing the Defense of Marriage Act, CNN reported.

An unrelated Feb. 14 boycott is planned to protest the company's policy allowing customers with guns to be served.

The National Gun Victims Action Council, an anti-gun group, said in a Jan. 23 news release its goal is to "eliminate the risk of guns in public places and ultimately to bring sane gun laws to the U.S."