Startup Pray Says Nextdoor’s Advertising Policies Are Discriminatory

Pray Inc., a startup that promotes prayer as a way to maintain mental well-being, accused Nextdoor Holdings Inc. of discrimination after its bid to run ads was rejected. Michael Lynn, Pray’s co-founder and chief financial officer, said that the company’s policies unfairly limit religious content.

Nextdoor spokesman David Roady, said the company has a blanket policy that asks users to discuss topics such as religion in neighbor-created groups. Nextdoor recognizes that “religion is an important part of many people’s lives,” Roady said in an email, and also that “some people do not appreciate hearing about their neighbor’s religious beliefs.” The company is “proud that thousands of members have created religious groups on Nextdoor,” Roady said. “We encourage members who want to share their faith with their neighbors to create groups.” With regard to its advertising guidelines, Roady said: “At this time, there is not an option to target ads within Nextdoor Groups.”