Groupon has halted all of its gun-related promotions, the company said in a statement.
"All scheduled and current gun-related deals featured on Groupon North America, including shooting ranges, conceal-and-carry and clay shooting, have been placed on hiatus while we review internal standards that shape the deal inventory we feature," Groupon spokesperson Julie Mossler told Daily Finance on Sunday.
"The category is under review following recent consumer and merchant feedback."
Although Groupon provided no further explanation for its decision, some commentators point to last month's shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Conn. for the sudden move. The tragedy, which left 26 people -- including 20 children -- dead, ignited a fierce debate on gun control in the United States.
Texas gun-shop owner Michael Cargill called for a boycott of Groupon after it canceled his deal for a concealed-handgun training course, Daily Finance reported.
A movement to boycott the discount website has since emerged online, including on Twitter.
Hi @groupon, I heard you pulled all gun related and concealed carry deals? Can you explain why? Are you anti 2nd Amendment?— Liz Wheeler (@L_Wheels) January 21, 2013
Groupon is now the latest offender in the fight for 2nd Amendment rights of Americans. Disallowed an Austin Gun shop. NO WAY! #KicktotheCurb— Clevenger Studio (@MadTexanWriter) January 19, 2013
.@groupon Since you are denying me my groupon to learn legal & safe use of firearms, I'm unsubscribing & no longer using your app. #Boycott— Arizona Luke (@ArizonaLuke) January 22, 2013
Groupon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
What do you think of Groupon's decision to suspend its gun-related deals? Discuss in the comments below.
[via CNET]