Amazon are removing sales rank information from a wide range of books with gay or lesbian content, claiming it is for "adult content". Except that books with no sexual content whatsoever have been targeted, while such gems as 30 years of Playboy centrefolds have their ranking intact. (as it were) Why does this matter?

Removing the sales rank information effectively removes the books from search results, hiding the books from anyone trying to find them. Such filthy books as pregnancy guides for lesbian mothers or a teenage suicide prevention manual are blocked, while straight "erotica" remains available.

I am in the process of cancelling every open order I have with Amazon (Edit: total value 37.87) with the following text in the comment box for cancellation reason:

"Amazon's homophobic policy of removing sales rankings from books containing lesbian & gay themes. I will not spend any more money with you until this policy is revoked and publicly apologised for."

I'm also removing all content from the wishlists I maintain there (things for me, parenting books for me and Tony, books/things for Charles). I don't want my family spending money with them either.

(More info:
the publisher who got the form letter about it being 'adult content'
List of books with sales ranks removed
And all over Twitter, tag #amazonfail. Because de-listing Stephen Fry's books is the way to get the internet on your side.)