Airbnb threatens to cancel accounts of users who participate in Unite the Right rally
WASHINGTON - Airbnb has threatened to cancel the accounts of anyone renting from them who participates in the Unite the Right rally in the District this weekend.
The hospitality company cited its terms of service, stating users agree, “To treat everyone in the Airbnb community — regardless of their race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or age — with respect, and without judgment or bias.”
Unite the Right in DC: What you need to know
Airbnb made the same announcement ahead of last year’s deadly Unite the Right demonstration in Charlottesville. Jason Kessler, who has helped organize the event for white nationalists, said last year that Airbnb’s policy proved that conservative free speech and civil rights were under attack. He then called for those in the alt-right or alternative right to boycott Airbnb.
How Airbnb determines if those participating in the Unite the Right rally are using their service remains unclear. The official Unite the Right rally website instructs those attending the demonstration to not inform strangers they’re participating in the event and to stay with friends in the area if possible.
RELATED: DC officials outline Unite the Right rally plans
“Don’t let strangers know where you’re staying,” the website states. “If you’re going to be in town on Saturday, August 11th please stay with trusted friends and don’t talk to strangers about your participation in the rally.”
FOX 5 reached out to Uber and Lyft who said their drivers can refuse service to riders who are disrespectful or make them feel unsafe.