In the last few years, Marriott has made great efforts to be seen as LGBT-friendly. The company is serving as the sponsor for the 2014 Gay Games, runs LGBT pride and weddings packages, and took a public stand for repealing the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

Given these efforts, it’s surprising to see Marriott come under fire from gay-rights organizations All Out and SumofUs. Together, these groups have created a petition to ask Marriott not to host a conference for the National Association of Research Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH).

NARTH describes itself as a non-religious organization that helps individuals pursue change away from homosexuality.

Our clinical members specialize in assisting persons with unwanted same-sex attractions as they pursue change.

The All Out petition, which currently has 52,000 of the requested 75,000 signatures, states:

‘Gay cures’ violate your human rights policy, so please cancel the booking for the NARTH conference in November and promise not to host ‘gay cures’ conferences in future.

The conference is scheduled to take place this weekend, November 8 and 9 at the Phoenix Marriott Airport Hotel.

PeterGreenberg.com reached out to Marriott for a comment and hasn’t received a response at press time. In an earlier statement to the press, the hotel chain stated:

We realize that there are many strong opinions about this issue, and as an advocate for diversity and inclusion, including our friends in the LGBT community, we take this matter very seriously. That’s why we believe that we must maintain our obligation as a public hospitality company to open our doors to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, race/ethnicity, culture or religion. Acceptance of this, or any other business, in no way constitutes support or endorsement of the group or its cause.

For more LBGT-travel topics, check out:

• Travel to Support Marriage Equality: A Guide to the 50 States
• How Dangerous is LGBT Travel in Russia
• Loud & Proud in the South

How do you feel about All Out’s petition? Should a hotel chain be responsible for the hosting choices of one hotel or inn? Share your thoughts in the comments.

By Lily J. Kosner for Peter Greenberg.com