Citibank Shuts Down Gay Entrepreneur’s Bank Account Over Blog’s Content

[babsbunny]

http://washingtonindependent.com/77696/citibank-shuts-down-gay-entrepreneurs-bank-account-over-blogs-content

By Megan Carpentier 2/25/10 3:27 PM

Jason Goldberg is the CEO of a company called Fabulis, which is developing a website, iPhone app and social media application targeted at gay men. His company — which is at least his third start-up — is funded by investors including The Washington Post and the venture capitalist Allen Morgan, and they just launched their beta version this month. You would think he would be the kind of customer Citi would want — but Citi decided otherwise after a compliance officer reviewed his site and decided that a social networking application for gay men was “objectionable.”

[hatrack]

1. Oh, now BANKS are going to lecture us on what's "objectionable"?

Give me a FUCKING BREAK.

[NYC_SKP]

2. Citi trying to cover asses. Here's a followup letter. Also some links for Fabulis:

http://blog.fabulis.com/

http://fabulis.com/

The letter:

From: Brown, William E <[e-mail]>
Date: Thu, Feb 25, 2010 at 4:14 PM
Subject: Amends
To: “[e-mail]” <[e-mail]>


Jason,

We have not been formally introduced and I imagine that this is a poor way to become acquainted. I am responsible for the Citibank Branches in Manhattan and have just learned today of the challenges you have experienced in opening an account with us.

I apologize for any confusion about the status of your account and the Fabulis website. Whatever statements that were made by any Citi representative related to the content of your website were inappropriate and made in error, and I will review in detail what happened. You have my firm commitment on this point.

I truly regret any unintended message that my employees may have conveyed about your new business venture. I place great value on your business and assure you that Citi is committed to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities. In fact, this week Citi has announced the financing for the True Colors Residence, a housing facility for homeless GLBT youth in New York City.

I recognize that, to this point, this dialogue has been carried out on the internet via postings. You may choose to post this apology, however, please do not doubt the sincerity of my message and the responsibility I have for ensuring our customers do not encounter a similar experience.

Safe travels,

Bill Brown

:patriot:

[nashville_brook]

3. holy hell. this can't be legal.

[Angleae]

4. Unfortunately it probably is.

Anti-discrimination laws generally don't mention sexual preferences.