It seemed innocuous enough: slap some quotes from famous people on the side of a coffee cup and let discussion spring forth. In introducing their “The Way I See It” promotion, perhaps Starbucks hadn’t considered that there are some issues the religious right don’t want any discussion of—homosexuality, for instance. In using a quote from author Armistead Maupin on his regrets about suppressing his homosexuality, Starbucks has got the evangelicals pulling out their fiery swords.

First tipped off to the quote when one of their members picked up her morning coffee, the “family values” group Concerned Women for America say Starbucks, and all corporations, have a great influence over the unwashed masses, making it “wiser for them to stay out of these issues so that they don’t offend conservatives and people of faith.”

While CWA hasn’t suggested a boycott, the American Family Association encourages the like-minded to visit their local Starbucks and tell the manager that the company’s support of a homosexual agenda has made them decide to java up elsewhere.

» Scott Saxon