Fri. February 3, 2012
Internet retailer Amazon on Wednesday became the latest high-profile Washington-based company to endorse an effort to legalize gay marriage in the state, the Seattle Times reported.
"Amazon is joining other Pacific Northwest companies, including Microsoft, Starbucks and Nike, in support of Washington state's marriage equality bills," Amazon said in a statement. "The spirit of these bills is consistent with our longstanding employment practices."
Amazon's support arrived just hours before the Washington Senate approved the bill by a wider margin than expected.
More than 100 companies have endorsed the effort, including Concur, Group Health Cooperative, Nike, RealNetworks and Vulcan.
Starbucks said in a statement that it was "proud to join other leading Northwest employers in support of Washington state legislation recognizing marriage equality for same-sex couples."
"This important legislation is aligned with Starbucks' business practices and upholds our belief in the equal treatment of partners," the company said.
Microsoft added that not allowing gay marriage could leave Washington companies at a competitive disadvantage: "Washington's employers are at a disadvantage if we cannot offer a similar, equitable and inclusive environment to our talented employees, our top recruits and their families."
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