Controversial Celebration Sparks Debate at Idaho’s Old State Saloon

An Idaho bar owner’s “Heterosexual Awesomeness Month” promotion sparks nationwide controversy and debate.

At a Glance

Old State Saloon in Eagle, Idaho announces “Heterosexual Awesomeness Month” for June
Promotion includes free beer for heterosexual males and discounts for heterosexual couples
Bar owner Mark Fitzpatrick cites Christian beliefs as motivation for the event
Controversy leads to increased patronage and merchandise sales for the bar
Critics accuse the promotion of bigotry, while supporters praise it for “standing up for beliefs”

Idaho Bar’s Controversial Promotion Gains National Attention

The Old State Saloon in Eagle, Idaho has become the center of a nationwide controversy after announcing its “Heterosexual Awesomeness Month” promotion for June. Owner Mark Fitzpatrick’s decision to celebrate heterosexuality during the traditional Pride Month has ignited a fierce debate about values, inclusivity, and religious freedom.

The promotion includes “Hetero Male Monday” with free draft beer for heterosexual males, and “Heterosexual couples day” offering a 15% discount for heterosexual couples. These offers have drawn both praise and criticism from various quarters, with supporters viewing it as a stand for traditional values and detractors labeling it as discriminatory.

Nice hit piece on me and my saloon. They weren’t even pro enough to call me for a quote. Gays are welcome to come in to Old State Saloon. We are celebrating heterosexuality in June. Come join us. https://t.co/1fwO1iTTjr

— Old State Mark 🇺🇸 (@oldstatemark) May 31, 2024

Owner’s Perspective and Backlash

Fitzpatrick, a self-described Christian, explained his motivation for the event in a recent interview. “I was thinking of a way that we could celebrate the other side of sexuality, heterosexuality, the way God designed it,” he stated. This stance has led to significant backlash, including accusations of bigotry and hate towards marginalized communities.

“I’m Christian. I follow what the Bible says. I love people. I love all types of people and everything. But when you love people, it doesn’t mean that you have to necessarily get behind everything they decide to do. And especially with the way things have been going the last few years, as far as how extreme it gets in June,” Fitzpatrick said.

Despite the controversy, or perhaps because of it, the Old State Saloon has seen increased patronage. Fitzpatrick reported their “biggest Monday sales ever” following the promotion’s announcement. The bar has also introduced “Heterosexual Awesomeness” merchandise to capitalize on the attention.

Community Response and Support

The promotion has garnered both local and national support. Fitzpatrick noted, “We’ve had a whole bunch of people come in, in person into our saloon. We’ve had people driving way out of their way. We had a couple come in, they drove 400 miles out of their way on their trip across the country yesterday…and other people have said they’re going to fly in from out of state.”

A crowdfunding page has been launched to support the bar’s vision and construction of a venue for traditional and faith-based events. As of Tuesday morning, the fundraising effort had raised over $7,000, demonstrating significant community backing for Fitzpatrick’s stance.