In Case You Missed It, Airbnb is distancing itself from conservative campaign signs using an anti-transgender message across North Phoenix.
The signs, paid for by the Republican group Arizona Senate Victory Fund, which supports pro-short-term rental Senator Carine Werner, attacked Aaron Lieberman with false, transphobic attacks.
In a new article by AZ Central, “Airbnb made clear in a statement that it did not know about the signs in advance and does not support their message.”
“The message on this sign doesn't represent the views of Airbnb,” Airbnb spokesperson Lauren Bouton said in a statement. “We were not made aware of this campaign collateral in advance, nor do we have authority over ads produced by any third-party PAC that we contribute to in Arizona.”
AZ Central: Airbnb disavows message on signs funded by GOP political group
Signs seen in Legislative District 4 show a graphic of a girl on crutches with a bandaged leg next to the words: "Aaron Lieberman voted to put guys in girls’ sports." As required by Arizona law, the signs include a small disclosure at the bottom identifying the top donors to the political action committee that paid for them. Airbnb is among the top donors.
But Airbnb made clear in a statement that it did not know about the signs in advance and does not support their message.
“The message on this sign doesn't represent the views of Airbnb,” spokesperson Lauren Bouton said in a statement. “We were not made aware of this campaign collateral in advance, nor do we have authority over ads produced by any third-party PAC that we contribute to in Arizona.”
The signs were paid for by the Arizona Senate Victory Fund, which is supporting Sen. Carine Werner.
Airbnb has been recognized for championing LGBTQ+ equality for several years. Most recently, the company earned a 100% ranking from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Annual Assessment on LGBTQ+ Workplace Equality. The assessment considers a company’s social responsibility, inclusive culture, nondiscrimination policies, and equitable benefits for all workers and their families.
Airbnb is no longer among the top three donors to the fund as of October, meaning it would no longer have to be identified as a top donor in campaign materials.
