Google distances itself from planned drag performance after employee petition
Summary
Google is distancing itself from a drag performance it planned as the closing event for Pride month after a group of employees circulated an internal petition opposing it, claiming religious discrimination. "Their provocative and inflammatory artistry is considered a direct affront to the religion beliefs and sensitivities of Christians," the petition stated, referring to the drag performer. Some employees criticized the petition, saying the complaints were subjective and feed into political culture wars, according to internal discussions viewed by CNBC. Employees also criticized Google leadership for what they viewed as the quiet removal of the event from the internal website and a buckling to petitioners pressure. Google is one of many corporate sponsors of various Pride events that also include fireside chats with influential figures and community documentary screenings for the public and employees.