NEW YORK — After Chase Paymentech rejected her application to process charges because her products were classified as "adult-oriented," Loveability founder Tiffany Gaines swung into action.
Gaines, who only sells condoms through her Loveability website, launched an online petition calling for the Chase Paymentech to remove condoms from its categorization of adult-oriented products.
In one week, Gaines' Loveability petition gained 4,500 signatures.
When Gaines originally questioned a Chase rep why she was refused service, according to Huffington Post, the bank told her it was due to federal regulations aimed at stopping money laundering, child porn and fraud.
Further, she said, the rep said Chase frequently denies services to porn companies for this reason.
"The reason this is so important is because Chase bank is putting the blame on the government, which is giving them free rein to act in an overpowering and potentially destructive manner," Gaines told the Huffington Post.
"Since the HuffPost article has been published, many federally regulated banks have reached out to me, offering me services. It is clear that this breach of rights was not of a concern to Chase or other banks until it was brought to the limelight."
After the initial refusal, Chase Paymentech caved in and agreed to handle transactions with the business.
But even after Chase Paymentech capitulated, Gaines said she won't be using their services.
"This bank's prejudice presented another hurdle for us," Gaines said. "Fighting the stigma against condoms is difficult enough without the bank restricting our company's ability to grow and prosper.
"Condoms must be removed from this negative category so that companies like ours can make our positive social missions a reality."
