Photo Credit: mfajardo on Flickr (via Creative Commons)
(Asheville, NC) – One would suspect that some existing and potential New Belgium and (presumably) Oskar Blues employees tuned into the media on Tuesday night with special interest.
Issues around same-sex marriages and civil unions took center stage in Colorado, where both breweries have established operations, and North Carolina, where both breweries plan to begin operations in the future. According to the Washington Post, Amendment One in North Carolina sought to “invalidate all civil unions and domestic partnerships, whether ‘opposite-sex’ or ‘same-sex.'” Over 60% of voters said ‘Yes,’ approving the amendment. In Colorado, a bill to allow civil unions for same-sex couples died, according to the New York Times, after lawmakers failed to get the bill heard on the floor.
Though New Belgium has been entrenched in Colorado for over two decades and isn’t going anywhere, a number of people took to the company’s Facebook page to voice concerns over the brewery’s plans to open operations in North Carolina after the vote. The brewery formally responded to those concerns formally this afternoon.
Thanks for everyone’s thoughts on the recent vote on Amendment 1 regarding gay marriage in North Carolina. While that vote in no way reflects the values and ethos of New Belgium Brewing, (we happily extend benefits to same-sex partners), we are not reconsidering building a second facility in Asheville. It has been our experience that the best way to effect change is to work within a system rather than to turn away from it.
The status update received over 1,000 likes within its first hour. One commenter remarked, “I’m gay for New Belgium.”
The decision to take a position on the issue is arguably a bold one for New Belgium, a business with over $150 million in annual revenues. The company already sells beer in North Carolina and plans to open a large brewery in Asheville. Now it’s on record that the company disagrees with the stance that the majority of voters that turned out for the election take.
But New Belgium is not alone in the Tarheel State. Though most North Carolina breweries have chosen to keep quiet on the issue, Fullsteam and Steel String Brewery, a startup slated to open this summer, have voiced ardent support for the LGBT community. Fullsteam has already thrown LGBT-centric events at its brewery. Other members of the brewing community have made their position clear on personal social media accounts.
And New Belgium’s position will only be overshadowed now that President Obama has announced public support for same-sex marriage. He did so in an ABC News interview around the same time as New Belgium’s statement.
If New Belgium does choose to “effect change in its community,” it wouldn’t be a first for the company, one that has taken a leadership role with environmental efforts and sustainability initiatives. As for same-sex equality, the company didn’t tout any past support in its statement and a search for info on its position yielded no results. The company appears to be treading new waters here, at least publicly.
Buncombe County, where New Belgium plans to build, and nearby Transylvania County, where Oskar Blues plans to build, both passed Amendment One with nearly two-thirds of the vote. Henderson County, where California-based Sierra Nevada plans to build, was split 50/50 on the issue.
[Ed. note: Let’s try that again…]
Henderson County, where California-based Sierra Nevada plans to build, and nearby Transylvania County, where Oskar Blues plans to build, both passed Amendment One with nearly two-thirds of the vote. Buncombe County, where New Belgium plans to build, was split nearly 50/50 on the issue (full election results).
With all of that said, do you support or disagree with New Belgium’s statement and do you think discussions around human rights issues have a place in the beer community?
They absolutely have a place. Craft beer is about community. It is about expression. It is about allowing people to do what they love.
Those beliefs are centric to brewers and those who imbibe craft beer.
I disagree with New Belgium’s stance. I, for one, am done with their products.
For what it’s worth, I’ll be monitoring this thread pretty closely so let’s keep it civil as Ken has done. Thanks!
I fully support New Belgium’s Stance on Ammendment 1. I am so bummed that this ammendment passed. It will take many years to undo all that this ammendment will do….but it will be undone. I just hate to lose a few friends that can’t afford to live in NC any longer. Its frustrating. Thanks New Belgium for publicly standing up for what is right!
Point of clarification: Buncombe County voted *against* Amendment 1 (one of just 8 counties to do so), by a 51-49 margin.
I disagree with the stance of New Belgium wholeheartedly, but that is their prerogative. They make good beer, and while I don’t purchase their products on a regular basis, I don’t think their statement will impact my purchasing.
However, not everyone will take the statement in stride. My advice, stick to making beer, because they are going to alienate many people who otherwise enjoy their product.
I would expand on what Ken said by saying that craft beer is also about inclusion, just as Jesus was. For that reason, and also the reasons that Ken laid out above, I say kudos to New Belgium and I pray that they are able to affect change in NC and beyond!
Thanks, Chris. Crossed up the Buncombe & Henderson tallies. Makes a lot more sense to me now.
The mouth-breathers who outlawed same sex marriage are most likely the same types that drink bud because it’s american and won’t drink any new belgium cause they don’t support those fancy foreign beers.
I don’t agree at all. But I am sure there’s a lot of money that has been spent and the fine folks in Ashville have given some great tax breaks to build. Money talks and I do with my wallet.
No matter what Mitt says, corporations are *not* people. To me, the statement says, “We don’t agree with this amendment, but the tax breaks we’re getting to expand here are so, so tasty, we can look the other way.” Which is what I’d expect from a corporation. NBD.
@Joe
“because they are going to alienate many people who otherwise enjoy their product.”
It’s a balancing act in a way. They’ll alienate some but will gain more loyalty from others. Given that over 40% of the country is still against same-sex marriage per the Washington Post poll (and a lower percentage against civil unions) is still far greater than the LGBT population, economics might say that this decision won’t help them. But as a commenter pointed out in the Facebook thread, it’s reasonable to assume that New Belgium’s fan base leans more progressive on this issue than the general population.
The financial impact may or may not have been lightly considered but I’m going to safely assume that it is ultimately a much lower priority to them than the human rights aspect of the issue. And with over 400 employed, there is no doubt that this affects some New Belgium employees so there is that piece of it, too.
Stay classy, Tyler. So just because someone disagrees with you, you have to resort to name calling and ad hominem attacks?
It’s not really a good place to have a proper debate on the subject, so ya, a comical stereotype of same-sex marriage opponents seemed appropriate.
FYI, Colorado voters approved a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage in 2006. There currently are 29 other states who have done so.
@Adam
I would definitely say that more than 40% of the country opposes the redefining of marriage. Heck, it was even defeated in California! People will tell the pollsters one thing, but vote a different way. It’s sort of a silent majority. It’s worth noting that NC is a state that went for Obama in ’08, and currently has a Democrat as Governor.
Ultimately, I think most people, wherever they stand on this issue won’t care one iota about a particular stance a company takes. Sure, there will be vocal people on both sides, but most people just want good beer! For instance, if a brewer supported this amendment, people wouldn’t run out and buy their product unless they liked it.
It’s interesting to note that the same people in NC who supported this amendment also support an economic philosophy that allows New Belgium to expand their business to new customers, and add to their bottom line. They could have picked a location in a state that aligns more with their social views, but instead, they did the smart thing and chose a place that will allow the company to thrive. After all, fiscally if there is no company, then they can’t choose to make an impact in other areas.
Some companies will take a stance and others will remain quiet on any subject–this includes breweries. The comments New Belgium has made might have a negative effect with some consumers, but a very positive effect with others. The only numbers that can be examined are from the polls. To say the majority of residents in North Carolina disagree with New Belgium’s position is a big assumption, but apparently one you’re willing to make (after all, almost all of those residents SHOULD be voting).
What you cannot figure from yesterday’s numbers are how the customers of New Belgium feel, or those of Fullsteam and supporters of Steel String. The people running those breweries know best how their customers feel and, I’m sure, are rather comfortable saying what they have. If you’re only worried about not offending anyone, you can avoid a lot, but breweries like New Belgium and Fullsteam are where they are because of their strong identities and willingness to participate in dialog with customers and community members.
Regardless of what name you give it or what the law is, same sex ‘marriage’ does not and cannot exist. Furthermore this issue has nothing to do with New Belgium or craft beer.
I am OK with New Belgium sticking with their plan.
Constitutions were not designed to be easily changed, or to take away rights from people. Systems that allow such easy changes only contributes to mob rule.
Unfortunately, there will not be equality in the near future so most if not all votes will go this way, in which case you can’t open the brewery anywhere. What will matter to me then is how NB treats their employees. As long as they give the rights to their employees (as they state), hopefully they will fight for change at the state level.
As for the political issue involved…I just assume the state get out of the marriage business. Not one realistic and non-religious reason has ever been given to deny any partnership based on gender, hence such actions inherently violate the principle of church/state separation.
I’m so glad I don’t live in the south. You folks who have relocated to the south must have a ton of patience to engage in discussions that require fair and thoughtful responses. When I hear people talking about how wrong same sex marriagis, my first response is don’t do it. My second response is that they’re closet homosexual. Get real people, it’s Beer.
This is an admirable statement by New Belgium, and it was smart of them to point out that they put their money where their mouth is by extending benefits to same sex couples.
A little while back, a beer distributors industry group donated money to the campaign against California’s cannabis legalization initiative. The craft breweries whose names were listed on the industry group’s website faced a tsunami of negative comments from fans who viewed their affiliation as an endorsement of the group’s stance. Sierra Nevada quickly responded with a ballsy repudiation of the group and its donation, potentially alienating some of the most powerful people in the industry and fans on the other side of the issue. The initiative, of course, failed to pass, but Sierra Nevada came out a big winner, showing its fans that it lives the values they have come to associate with the brand. It was both the right move and the savvy move, and New Belgium has done the same here.
Cheers,
Jacob McKean
Modern Times Beer
I am conservative as conservative gets… and I don’t give a shit what New Belgium does or does not “support.” If those of you against gay marriage had half a brain cell, you’d be arguing the point of the government mandating one’s right to be with whom you chose. It’s not a gay/straight issue — it’s a government getting involved in your lifestyle issue.
If 2 women or 2 men want to get married, I can disagree morally but I’m not going to argue it being for or against “the law.” The law?.. To get married? Get a grip, America. It’s your right as the consumer to chose what products you purchase. But quite frankly they make a great beer, they contribute to AMERICANS HAVING JOBS, and if this pisses you off you need to reevaluate your ‘conservative viewpoints.’ We have much bigger fish to fry in this writhing, pulsing shell of a nation.
I wholeheartedly disagree with New Belgium’s support of gay marriage, and it will effect my purchasing habits. I buy NB beer all the time as it is one of the better beers the grocery store near my apartment sells. No more. If they want to support that lifestyle, that is up to them. I think it is destructive both of the individuals involved and of society in general, so NB will not be supporting it with my money.
Too bad.
@Anthony
I don’t think New Belgium explicitly came out in support of gay marriage in that statement. One could perhaps ascertain as much though they only said that the the way the vote went didn’t match their philosophy and that they ‘happily’ extend benefits to same-sex partners. They may view civil unions differently than they view same-sex marriages for all we know.
@Starks I’m as liberal as liberal gets and I just have to say that your response may be the most intelligent thing I’ve seen online all day regarding the NC amendment 1 fiasco. Well played. Evidence that on matters of true civic and national importance, perhaps the right and left have more in common than we’re comfortable admitting? Perhaps. We’re just too busy being baited into these asinine blowouts over issues of legislating morality.
I love that New Belgium issued this statement and will raise a Ranger in their honor as soon as I click “Post Comment”
I don’t normally purchase NB products, Fat Tire and Sunshine Wheat are not spectacular beers in my opinion, but I will be more likely to search out their other brews now. I support companies that encourage civil rights and do not discriminate based on a person’s genetic makeup. I also applaud their decision to stay in Ashville and stick to their principals. I only wish other companies had as many scruples.
I don’t like politics with my beer.
Guess what? MANY companies extend benefits to same-sex partners. MANY.
I used to work for Anheuser-Busch and they actually have a department dedicated to gay marketing and furthering gay rights. Hell, our health insurance back then actually covered sex changes!
So, Is it really a surprise that a company (New Belgium) that’s been forward-thinking since day 1 has a positive attitude toward the FB blasting they’ve recieved on this issue? Nope.
Point being, this is hilarious that it’s news-worthy. If you’re against something that adds love and happiness to an already crazy, messed-up world, then I’m sorry you’re on the tortured, hateful side of the fence. Come on over to the other side. The beer is much better.
Who drinks a lot of beer? Men, single men specificly, gay men make up a large chunck of single men. NB is sticking with their market, and this gay man is sticking with NB. 🙂
@Anthony believe me the homosexual “lifestyle” is less damaging to the individual than the heterosexual lifestyle because
I live in Asheville, NC. I believe NB is a very ethical company and am happy to see them move into my neighborhood. Too few of them left. They are not the first employer, nor anywhere near the largest in my area to support human rights, instead of restricting them as the majority of NC voters just did. The local hospital, which openly endorses same-sex couples through its employee benefits program, is this region’s largest employer with thousands of employees. NB will have a tiny tiny fraction as many. They make a great product and deserve much success. Asheville has provided the most fertile ground east of the Rockies for the quality beer industry (look it up.) I am as straight as they come, conservative, and still voted against Amendment One. Sometimes you choose what is right, rather than what others who label you expect. NB is one of the few respectable prominent companies around. I find it funny that some will stop buying their products due to this stance. I doubt the same people would refuse treatment from a married gay doctor in an emergency. I’ll leave other examples to your imagination. I will buy NB beer because they make good beer, not after an analysis of all of their corporate stances. I’m sure there are unrevealed cohabitating gays making many brands of beer you might unknowingly buy and drink. By the way, Mitt didn’t decide corporations are people, the US Supreme Court did long ago (Iook it up.) My 2 cents. Cheers!
I’m very curious to know, out of all the NC voter’s that supported this, how many really took the time to get online and read the entire Amendment? Though there really isn’t a way to monitor this….I am seriously curious. Just the fact that we “vote” on this, confuses me and makes me sad. I do not feel like I have any right to keep two people from falling in love and celebrating that love in holy matrimony, regardless of any sexual orientation, color, etc. I believe in equality as should anyone living in this great country….land of the free. Just my opinion, but I’m pretty sure that is the direct definition of “judging”. I’m not a religious guy, but what would Jesus think? I thought the “judging” was supposed to be left up to him. “Almighty”….yet he never thought when he created Adam and Eve that one day, Adam might fall in love with Peter or Eve with Mary? That is hard for me to believe. And though nothing has ever proven to be wrong in the story written in the bible….nothing has ever been proven to be right either. Just sayin…. I love NBB and their stance and agree that it will take companies with the same philosophy to help change the history that the great people of NC have scarred! I can only hope that they can help rewrite this history! For the young children that have not been born yet, that will one day read about this in a text book, or rather on their iPad…lol….it saddens me that they will have to try and understand why we went backwards in history…compared to a time of segregation and slavery….because to me….that is exactly what we are doing. Thanks for letting me rant….now let’s rise up people! Let our children know that we are really not this close minded.
Most beer companies are jumping on the support gays bandwagon. Coors paid an astronomical amount to be the official beer sponsor of this year’s Colorado Gay Rodeo Ass. annual rodeo, to beat out Budweiser the previous sponsor. So to those who won’t buy NB because of their pro-gay stance, you are running out of beer options
As a beer writer and a NC native, I’m ashamed of my home state today and wish fervently that New Belgium were not going through with a project that will pump dollars into a situation so stuffed with those attitudes. I love North Carolina fervently and still miss it daily, even after twenty years in Seattle. But I never had any illusions about the place. Get ten miles outside any urban area and you’re immersed in a culture that thought electing Jesse Helms about 48 times was a good idea. It doesn’t surprise me that this bill passed but it does disappoint me that, after twenty years, so little about those bedrock NC beliefs has evolved out of the muck of stone-age thinking. Ultimately, whether you’re conservative or liberal, an issue like this is about our failure to stand up and say “Hell, NO!” when someone tries to limit our fundamental freedom to control our own lives and choices. How it’s ANYBODY’S business who another person loves, sleeps with, marries, or pairs with escapes me. I have quite enough on my plate in trying to conduct my own life in a manner that allows me to look in the mirror long enough to finish shaving. Those who feel the compulsion to make choices for those around them, I’ve found, are usually the most flawed, effed-up people in the vicinity and these are, evidently, the majority of the people NB is providing with an economic stimulus. It doesn’t change my mind about the beer, about which I’ve always been lukewarm, but it does make me rethink my high regard for the company’s stance as progressive, forward-thinking, and open-minded. Frankly, their statement reeks of “we’re in this up to our fannies, financially, so let’s slap a smiley face on it and push ahead.” “Work within a system”, my rosy red tail. That old nugget was worn out when I was protesting the war in 1969. I doubt that this will make anyone rethink their decision to drink Fat Tire or Ranger…but maybe it should.
Exactly, it isn’t the state’s business. It’s the same thing as if a group of people get together and say, “So we decided that Jewish boys should no longer celebrate bar mitzvahs at age 13. Instead, to protect our rights, we want it to be age 21.” Ok, but its not 21 and furthermore why do you even care? “Well we want equal rights.” Dude that doesn’t even make sense and you aren’t even Jewish. “Yes we realize but still, its only fair.”
Huh??
Enter; mass confusion, time wasting, and name calling.
It should be noted that the amendment was put on the ballot on the same day as the NC Republican primary…I feel like this little fact keeps getting left out of the equation. I’m not sure that it would’ve passed or been so lopsided if it were not for this fact. Good to see a company that is fresh to this area supporting progress. I will reconsider drinking their not-so-good beer now…although their Lips of Faith series does make up for their session brews.
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I agree with some of commentors that New Belgium should focus on making beer, and steer away from getting their business bogged down in the gay marraige debate.