BRATTLEBORO — It is important that people in Brattleboro and the surrounding area are aware that the Megabus company has a record of funding and promoting a homophobic political agenda in the United Kingdom, where the company originated.
Brian Souter, the founder and owner of Megabus in the U.K., personally donated £1 million to uphold Section 28 (known as Clause 2A in Scotland, where Souter is from) laws, which forbade local authorities in the U.K. from “intentionally promoting homosexuality.” This clause/section was enacted in 1988, and stated that a local authority “shall not intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting homosexuality” or “promote the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship.”
I understand the appeal of another, cheaper, option to get to and from New York, and I have frequently experienced the frustration of slow Amtrak trains and the sting of paying for expensive tickets.
That said, I urge anyone considering taking Megabus to think carefully about their decision.
I refuse to knowingly support a company whose owner uses his money and influence to promote laws that treat homosexuality like a disease, and refuses to acknowledge gay people's rights.
I hope that potential Megabus travelers will make an informed decision about whether they can, in good conscience, give their money to a company that supports such a poisonous and hateful agenda.