Yelp! Joins ALEC Amidst Ongoing Criticism

At least 50 corporations and nonprofits have severed ties with American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), but Yelp! is just getting on board.

By Von Diaz Sep 27, 2013

The online review site Yelp! recently joined the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) as a private sector member as at least 50 corporations and nonprofits have cut ties with organization. The controversial right wing organization is best known for promoting "Stand Your Ground" and voter ID laws, but are also connected to Arizona’s SB1070 and anti-union laws. 

It has just been discovered that Yelp! paid ALEC at least $10,000 to join the organization on the same week as the Trayvon Martin case began, making the timing of their decision even more peculiar.

As Colorlines previously reported, ALEC has consistently disregarded the racial implications of the legislation they promote, most notably the "Stand Your Ground" law that was pivotal in the Trayvon Martin case. ALEC and Yelp! have joined forces to promote anti-SLAAP laws (strategic lawsuits against public participation), which are often used to intimidate people making statements on public forums.

There is a new website for people who want to encourage Yelp! to stop working with ALEC.

(h/t Color of Change)