Google is to change the venue of an upcoming drag show featuring an artist called “Peaches Christ” after a petition from an employee accusing the company of promoting religious discrimination, reports Tuesday said. was decided.

As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Google sponsors a series of Pride-related events, typically near our San Francisco headquarters. But when the company announced a Pride and Drug Show this year that would end Pride Month with “Peaches Christ,” a group of employees decided the company had crossed a line, CNBC reported. report.

Google stops supporting drag shows after employee complaints https://t.co/9SsdXg6Ab1 pic.twitter.com/WdfKnY7lfd

— Messenger (@TheMessenger) June 28, 2023

Hundreds of Google employees signed a petition accusing the company of supporting religious discrimination and claiming that drag performances “sexualize and disrespect” Christian employees. “Their provocative and inflammatory artistry is seen as a direct affront to the religious beliefs and sensitivities of Christians,” the petition said, referring to Peaches Christ. (Related article: ‘Slap in the face’: Los Angeles Dodgers re-invite ‘anti-Catholic hate group’ dressed as Jesus in drugs)

The petitioners also alleged that the planned drag show violated Google’s own rules against sexually explicit conduct at company-sponsored events, CNBC reports.

In response, Google has quietly removed the scheduled drag show from the DEI calendar and set up a separate venue away from the Google offices for drag performances. Google spokesperson Chris Pappas told CNBC, “Event organizers have changed official team events locally, but performances will take place at the venues where they were originally scheduled. I can still participate,” he said.

Pappas added that Google is “extremely proud to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community,” adding that it has frequently featured drag performers at pride events.