Zions Bank Exits Boise Pride; Zion Cannabis Says ‘Hold Our Bong’

It's been a dramatic lead up to what has otherwise been, in recent years, a totally positive anticipation of Boise Pride Festival. While politics and increased polarizing rhetoric have been on the rise for some time now, as a whole, the Boise Pride Festival goes off without a hitch and frankly, minimal drama. We can't say that has been the case this year.

An initial tweet shared by a far-right blogger took the internet by storm--and eventually, made its way to Boise, Idaho where the topic was actually taking place. Conservative groups scolded Boise Pride Festival for featuring entertainment for and with teens at this year's Boise Pride Festival and in true, internet fashion, the attacks got loud.

Folks from all over the country have began emailing and contacting businesses listed as sponsors of the annual festival, asking them to cut ties with Boise Pride Festival.

Dorothy Moon, head of the Idaho GOP, released several statements speaking for Idaho Republicans--once of them even listing sponsors and phone numbers for folks to call and complain to, because of their respective sponsorship of Boise Pride.

In 2019, Dorothy Moon voted against setting a minimum age for marriage at 16-years-old. 

Since the online outburst, a majority of local business has remained a partner to Boise Pride. One big name, however--Zions Bank--has "pulled out".

It didn't take long for a new Zion to come along.

You've heard the term "hold my beer"? It was more of a "hold our bong" from Zion Cannabis in Ontario.  The cannabis dispensary came to the table with a large donation because of the loss of financial support Boise Pride is experiencing.

They shared the following statement on their Instagram account:

The owners of Zion Cannabis met with the Boise Pride Executive Director this morning to pledge their support for the festival. Zion's sponsorship of $10,000 is earmarked for additional security needed for the festival following threats of violence from area extremist groups.  Zion Cannabis joins the efforts of other steadfast committed sponsors of Boise Pride.

Boise Pride Festival will be taking place over the weekend, kicking off today, September 9th and running through the evening of Sunday, September 11th in front of the Idaho State Capitol.