McDonald's Labeled Homophobic For Blocking Gay Websites
January 10, 2011 /LGBT News/ McDonald's New Zealand is under pressure to change the internet access policies at its restaurants after news site GayNZ.com reported their website and several other sites servicing the gay community were filtered out as inappropriate by the WiFi system at more than 130 McDonald's in the Wellington area.The New Zealand AIDS Foundation (NZAF) sent staff out to thoroughly test McDonalds WiFi access and found that -- while the system enables users to access its own websites such as getiton.co.nz, broonline.co.nz and curious.org.nz -- sites such as rainbowyouth.org.nz, staysafe.co.nz, familyplanning.org.nz, theword.org.nz and PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) sites are all blocked.
"These sites contain essential information about support services, safe sex and sexual health," the Foundation says. "With a vast network of restaurants across New Zealand and affordable food, free WiFi at McDonald's is likely to be utilized by New Zealanders who are needing support, help and information about sexuality and good sexual health."
McDonald's says it's a family restaurant chain, and as part of offering the new free WiFi service, its policy is that viewed content must be of a family friendly nature.
"Because of this, access to a number of websites is blocked, including access to GayNZ.com, gambling, tobacco and adult mature content websites," a spokeswoman says.
McDonald's also say they are prepared to review GayNZ.com and other websites customers feel are unfairly blocked.
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