Free Republic

The makers of Sam Adams and Heineken beer say they are withdrawing their sponsorship of St. Patrick's Day parades because organizers exclude gay groups. Boston Beer Co., Sam Adam's brewer, said in a statement Friday that it is disappointed that an agreement couldn't be reached between the gay rights advocacy group MassEquality and Boston parade organizers that would have allowed gay veterans to march. Meanwhile, Heineken USA said it was withdrawing from the New York City parade, and told CNBC on Friday: "We believe in equality for all. We are no longer a sponsor of Monday's parade." The decisions came...