Wal-Mart bans gay couple for life

[vaDisneyGuy]

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/09/walmart-levies-lifetime-ban-against-gay-couple/?icid=main|main|dl1|link6|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailyfi nance.com%2F2009%2F11%2F09%2Fwalmart-levies-lifetime-ban-against-gay-couple%2F

[Mathfailure]

I hope they get a lawyer and persue this as far as they are able, I am sure they were worried about their children while all this nonsense was going on.

Kathleen

[kingLouiethe1]

I am shocked and appalled and refuse to ever set foot in Wal-Mart ever again :mad:

Not that I ever go there anyway, seriously, Wal-Mart, ewwww :confused3

[DVCajun]

I *hate* Wal-Mart. I refuse to give them (or any other homophobic retailer) my hard-earned money. I hate them not only for their homophobia but also for their celebration of mediocrity. Ugh. :headache:

[npmommie]

I knew there was another reason to dislike walmart.

[NHdisneylover]

I hav hated, and not shopped in, Wal Mart for years. Sadly I do not find this surprising:sad2:
Wal Mart tried to come into Germany and failed miserably and left. I love that about Germany:goodvibes

[jlewisinsyr]

I knew there was another reason to dislike walmart.

I can count on one hand how many times I've been to Walmart, for many, many reasons it's not the place I choose to spend my money.

[Hydani]

Ah, Wal-Mart.... I'm more of a Zellers person myself. But Zellers has nothing... Wal-Mart however... Unless you want to go to a drug store and pay $6 for a toothbrush, Wal-Mart is the only place to get a nice toothbrush(or really anything for that matter). :guilty:

[soulmates]

I shouldn't be shocked, and yet I am. How sad. Another OBVIOUS attack on a gay couple. My ex husband is a co-mgr of the 3rd biggest Wally World on the east coast and yup, their homophobic for SURE! We don't shop there. They have nothing I want and like others, refuse to spend my hard earned money to a business who prides themselves on "Family Values" Give me a break!:eek:

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I HATE Walmart.
NEVER shop there.

We are guilty of shopping at Sam's, though. :guilty: We will try to stop. But we like the pharmacist at the Sam's near our house.

This whole story is horrible. If someone accused me of shoplifting, then detained me and put my child in the care of WALMART workers? Um, no. Wrong, wrong, wrong. :sad2:

[ConcKahuna]

I think this has more to say about that area of Michigan than it does the company as a hole. Michigan is NOT a gay-friendly state, as we saw when their nasty little hate proposition passed through (similar to here in FL and other states).

[zeitzeuge]

I think this has more to say about that area of Michigan than it does the company as a hole. Michigan is NOT a gay-friendly state, as we saw when their nasty little hate proposition passed through (similar to here in FL and other states).

I have to agree with you. I think this might be more of a regional factor rather then a Walmart one. I don't like Wally World myself for many, many reasons and try to avoid it at all cost.

I'm more of a Target gurl myself.

[zeitzeuge]

Holy crap! Not to change the subject because we NEVER do that on here, but the tag fairy visted me!

Oh Lord.....

Ok, back to regularly scheduled thread topic.

[jeanigor]

I think this has more to say about that area of Michigan than it does the company as a hole. Michigan is NOT a gay-friendly state, as we saw when their nasty little hate proposition passed through (similar to here in FL and other states).

I am not a fan of Walmart by any means, but it has a lot to do with the state. That area is known to be ridiculously conservative in their social views. Not that Metro Detroit is much better, but that is another topic.

[NHdisneylover]

I think this has more to say about that area of Michigan than it does the company as a hole. Michigan is NOT a gay-friendly state, as we saw when their nasty little hate proposition passed through (similar to here in FL and other states).

I will agree that this is likely a large part of it, but I think the corporation also lets these things happen.

[ChrizJen]

I just love how the article made sure to refer to their children as adopted. That just irks me to no end. Who cares how the children came to be theirs?!!?!? They are their children. Period. Can you tell this is a sore subject for me??

As for the incident, I wouldn't hold WalMart completely without blame, but I agree that the area had a lot to do with it. The conservatism of the state is one (and just about the only) reason that I won't give in to my DP's pressure to move back to MI. (She's from Michigan originally, and moved here to be with me.)

[DVC~OKW~96]

Just in case you need more incentive to stay out of Walmart, I heard on NPR today that Walmart gives a demerit for each sick day that an employee uses. Once they've racked up 5 sick days, they can be fired.

Therefore, in this winter of H1N1 hysteria, you can be sure those Walmart employees are going to work sick...

[Magix]

I don't understand. The story says security asked the couple if they'd purchased a pack of lighters, the couple said "yes" and showed their receipt, proving that they'd paid for the item.

Anything beyond that point was pure harassment. These were innocent people and they had proven that fact. What right does WalMart have to detain those who have proven they are innocent of the charge being levied against them?

Regardless of the sexual orientation of the couple, the region in which this happened or the corporate policies, what was done was wrong.

[2GirlsMama]

I just love how the article made sure to refer to their children as adopted. That just irks me to no end. Who cares how the children came to be theirs?!!?!? They are their children. Period. Can you tell this is a sore subject for me??


I COMPLETELY AGREE!!!!! That is a huge point for me as well. You never read an article referring to someone's biological child. It is a point that Kristin Chenoweth makes very clearly in her book. She hates being referred to as her mother's adopted daughter. I remember reading about George Burn's death. The article said that his "adopted son" was by his side. Since Mr. Burns was 100-years-old did it really matter that his son was adopted????

My children WERE adopted. Now they are my children.

Okay, back on topic. I won't shop at Wal-Mart!!

[DVCajun]

I just love how the article made sure to refer to their children as adopted. That just irks me to no end. Who cares how the children came to be theirs?!!?!? They are their children. Period. Can you tell this is a sore subject for me??


Yeah. WTH difference does it make how they became a family?? They're a family. But the media are idiots, and apparently not particularly adoption savvy. It drives me crazy when I read an article or hear a newscast that references "adopted" in their story. Like it's some kind of smoking gun. :confused3

On a related note: I purchased a button at The World a few weeks ago. The Lion King's Scar saying "I'm surrounded by idiots." :sad2:

[brendrek]

How dumb! They violated their own non-pursue policy since the lighters were under $25. My pet peeve is the receipt checkers at the door. Once a cashier failed to deactivate something in my bag and I stopped to be "polite". OMG it was horrible. From now on when I buzz I just keep walking...:rolleyes1

I shouldn't shop there for so many reasons, but one day I realized I'd sell my Grandmother down the river for a $3 pack of socks...LOL

[2GirlsMama]

On a related note: I purchased a button at The World a few weeks ago. The Lion King's Scar saying "I'm surrounded by idiots."

I bought this when we were last there! I keep in on my desk at work. People will actually stop by my office just to push the button after a particularly frustrating encounter with an idiot!:rotfl:

[Mathfailure]

To continue with the rant on "adopted" always being noted.

My children were adopted, they have heard their story since they were babies in our arms. Our daughter saw the excitement of the coming of her brother. However, now they are our children. We do not use the word adopted as a qualifier.

My other petpeeve is when strangers ask me if they are my "real" children. I now say "They are very real" and keep moving.

The ignorance gets overwhelming.

Kathleen

[jeanigor]

I feel the same way about my step mother and she feels that way about me.
I am just as much her child as if she birthed me. She was just as big of an influence in my life as my birth mother.
Love makes you a parent. Period.

[jeanigor]

I bought this when we were last there! I keep in on my desk at work. People will actually stop by my office just to push the button after a particularly frustrating encounter with an idiot!:rotfl:

I'm going mext month, where did you find this. I would :love:love:love: to get one!

[Salinger]

On a related note: I purchased a button at The World a few weeks ago. The Lion King's Scar saying "I'm surrounded by idiots." :sad2:

Oh, I so need to get one of those! :lmao:

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

They said "adopted" children because it is important to point out that they were not conjured up by some magical satanic incantation. :rolleyes1

[kingLouiethe1]

They said "adopted" children because it is important to point out that they were not conjured up by some magical satanic incantation. :rolleyes1

Maybe they said adopted because I know lots of guys are doing that whole male pregnancy thing these days. God knows I keep trying but it's just not working for me :confused3

[seashoreCM]

I would consider the store to be in the wrong. It should not be heavy handed when there is no clear evidence of shoplifting. And I consider that the customer is always right when it comes to he-said-she-said for example whether someone is being loud and obnoxious.

The store should do some 'splainin about that $150. odd bill it sent to the two guys.

Gay is totally irrelevant in this issue.

When using self service checkouts, there is less chance of confusion if you put one hand in a pocket and handle the items with just one hand. If the machine hiccups, it is easy to forget whether items held in both hands got scanned or not. What do you do? Put everything back on the first conveyor belt and start all over?

[npmommie]

Just in case you need more incentive to stay out of Walmart, I heard on NPR today that Walmart gives a demerit for each sick day that an employee uses. Once they've racked up 5 sick days, they can be fired.

Therefore, in this winter of H1N1 hysteria, you can be sure those Walmart employees are going to work sick...

nice.
and the licking cashier I talked about on the community board was in a walmart.

How dumb! They violated their own non-pursue policy since the lighters were under $25. My pet peeve is the receipt checkers at the door. Once a cashier failed to deactivate something in my bag and I stopped to be "polite". OMG it was horrible. From now on when I buzz I just keep walking...:rolleyes1

I shouldn't shop there for so many reasons, but one day I realized I'd sell my Grandmother down the river for a $3 pack of socks...LOL
that is my pet peeve too. I ignore them and keep walking. they try to chase me but never catch up. I act like I don't see them.


Ah, Wal-Mart.... I'm more of a Zellers person myself. But Zellers has nothing... Wal-Mart however... Unless you want to go to a drug store and pay $6 for a toothbrush, Wal-Mart is the only place to get a nice toothbrush(or really anything for that matter). :guilty:
got to CVS and get your stuff for FREE! yes free. go to the budget board cvs thread to learn how. its really easy.

[Hathaway Browne]

This is absolutely unbelievable!!

If they have a receipt of payment then end of. OK, like the article says, they did kick up a stink but wouldn't anyone who was accused of shoplifting when they have a receipt in their hand?

And don't even get me started on them being reported to child services, nor that $150 bill for the lighters that they had already paid for!

Wal-Mart owns ASDA over here in the UK, I certainly hope that none of the vitriol of the mother company make their way over here.

[Mathfailure]

I have never seen a CVS in Canada.

However, I do like the Liquidator, can't remember the full name. I used to go and poke around the junk and find great stuff.

Kathleen

[Hydani]

got to CVS and get your stuff for FREE! yes free. go to the budget board cvs thread to learn how. its really easy.

No CVS in Canada :( We're Shoppers Drug Mart people. And therefore, annoyed by the ugly prices your everyday items are priced at:sad2:

[npmommie]

No CVS in Canada :( We're Shoppers Drug Mart people. And therefore, annoyed by the ugly prices your everyday items are priced at:sad2:

oops I didn't notice ontario below your name
oh yes I remember being in Toronto and needing something in the drug store, and was shocked at the price :)

[glenpreece]

Ah, Wal-Mart.... I'm more of a Zellers person myself. But Zellers has nothing... Wal-Mart however... Unless you want to go to a drug store and pay $6 for a toothbrush, Wal-Mart is the only place to get a nice toothbrush(or really anything for that matter). :guilty:
yeah maybe if Zellers stocked their shelves more often I would be able to shop there too.

[a1tinkfans]

What an awful story...until people STOP shopping there, nothing will change though!

[Hathaway Browne]

What an awful story...until people STOP shopping there, nothing will change though!

If only that were possible. The footfall of Walmart* must be phenomenal. Still personal boycotts still work in principle IMO.

[Tigger&Belle]

Wow. I don't understand....they did pay for the lighters and proved it with the receipt, but were still hassled? That's just wrong. And why the bill for the lighters if they did have proof of purchase.

Having said that--and I do think that Wal-Mart was wrong for what they did--I think it's always best to stay calm as a customer when in a situation like that. Makes it harder for people to come back later and say, "well they lost their temper..." Of course calm doesn't mean that a person rolls over--can still be be firm and assertive.

[Chuck S]

What an awful story...until people STOP shopping there, nothing will change though!

Not always an option in Rural areas. In the US, WalMart historically opened in small towns, driving the local competitors out of business, then raising their prices.

Here, there are two other grocery stores, besides Wal-Mart. One is a chain with locations throughout most of Texas, parts of Louisiana and Mexico, and another is a local San Antonio based chain that has changed ownership several times since our Walmart opened. Believe it or not, neither carry the quality of products that Walmart carries. The regular grocery stores have lousy fresh produce and private label products compared to WalMart. Now, if we want to drive to "better stores" in Downtown San Antonio, that is a 60 mile round trip, and we do that about once a month...but still fresh foods don't keep that long, and we have to supplement with things from WalMart.

[OnTheBoardsMyNameIs]

I don't understand their justification at all, the family were cleared of any wrong doing and Wal-Mart still banned them and billed them for $150+? I hope that the couple get a good legal team for themselves and are able to slap down this unfair treatment.

[PeterPan09]

Having read the article-it seems that Walmart the company is in the habit of issuing the "lifetime" ban to anyone that it deems worthy of it-and all or even most of the "banned" are not gay.

I think that this is more about a homophobic region than about a homophobic corporation. The couple was treated badly by the workers and the cops, and I think that would have occurred no matter what store was involved.

Walmart's sins are well known, and I understand why many choose not to shop there. However, Walmart suffers a little bit from the same stigma that Disney does-when you're the biggest target everyone goes after you. I worked part time for Target for a short time and believe me, they are no kinder to their employees than Walmart. The benefits they brag about offering are so expensive that the average hourly worker can't afford them. Calling in sick is grounds for dismissal if the management of the store decides it is-especially from November to January. I knew people who came in with 102 degree fevers because they knew if they called out they'd be fired. Our store also had management that was really horrible-but that can happen anywhere.

In this economy, employers all over are taking advantage of the fact that there are plenty of people ready to replace the workers they have. People who have jobs are working every day fearing that one mistake will allow them to be kicked to the curb. Low wages, crappy benefits and just plain nasty treatment abound in times like these-we just don't hear about it because the companies aren't as large and universally disliked as Walmart.

[Hathaway Browne]

Wow I had no idea. Sounds like you need stronger employment laws over there. Firing someone for calling in sick is just ridiculous.

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Most of our states have "at will" employment. That means they can fire you because they feel like it, or you can quit because you feel like it, and nobody has much recourse against anybody else.

[SandrA9810]

We try to avoid wal-mart like the plauge. I'd rather wait 2 weeks for an item to go on sale at Publix than walk into wal-mart.

My sister worked at a Walmart for 10 years and claims she gets better deals there than anywhere else. But she's also fits in with the walmart group... So I just nod, smile, and change the subject.

I thought the northern states were much nicer than the southern states. Which sucks for us too because we both like the mountains and scenery of the southern states.

[christopher77]

Regarding the Scar button from the World... I had one on my desk too until I got promoted to management, so I gave it away, LOL.

I also have the queen screaming "off with your head" which gets interesting looks when I hit it.

Regarding walmart... this always makes my day....

www.peopleofwalmart.com