In light of the recent Masterpiece Cakeshop ruling that has taken the media by storm Yelp has instated a new feature onto their popular directory app. The new feature lets businesses mark themselves as “Open to All” in their “More Business Info” section.
This new campaign was created by Yelp to “build awareness and understanding of the importance of nondiscrimination laws and defend the bedrock principle that when businesses open their doors to the public, they should be Open to All.”
SVP of Public Policy, Luther Lowe, shared in a statement:
As part of our commitment, we’re introducing the “Open to All” attribute today, allowing businesses to distinguish themselves as a safe and welcoming place to everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion or disability.
Yelp shares that they launched the feature as a response to the Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission case as it aims to focus attention where legislation “falls short and help protect consumers from discrimination”.
Business owners on Yelp are encouraged to take the Open to All pledge and opt-in on the feature on Yelp. This will begin to spread awareness on truly being open to those from all walks of life.
Yelp also have a “gender-neutral restrooms” attribute under informs patrons and employees if they are entering a welcoming and safe space regardless of their gender identity.
Lowe continues:
Every day, consumers face varied degrees of discrimination. Beyond the LGBTQ+ community, this also unfortunately exists for many minority communities in our country and we are equipping consumers with the information they need to confidently patronize any place of business.
Visit Open to All to learn how you can take action as a business or consumer.
Check out which of your local business are Open to All on Yelp
h/t: Open to All, Yelp
