A few weeks ago there was quite a dust-up about a few vendors who had some items in their shop that many (including me) felt were items that did not fit within the Etsy umbrella of “peace, love, and crafting”. They promoted (or at least seemed to laugh at) violence of women and people with disabilities. Etsy didn’t have policies that specifically spoke against the objectionable works, so they let them remain online for sale. This inspired many people to write some angry letters of complaint to Etsy and so they decided to take a look at their policies and determine what they felt like their audience wanted prohibited from the site.

Today they announced that they were changing their policies. They will:

no longer allow items or listings that promote, support or glorify hatred toward or otherwise demean people based upon race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, disability, or sexual orientation; including items or content that promote organizations with such views.

I support this policy change and think it is a great way for Etsy to support their audience by letting their audience decide what is wanted and welcome and what is not. Thanks, Etsy.