Microsoft warns lawmakers: Lack of gay marriage hurts business
Fri. January 20, 2012 9:29 PM by GoPride.com News Staff
Seattle -
Five Washington-state based companies -- Microsoft, Vulcan, Nike, RealNetworks, Group Health Cooperative and Concur -- are encouraging state lawmakers to legalize gay marriage, so business owners can attract and keep talented workers in the state.
The letter itself was brief: "We write you today to show the support of our respective companies for SB 6239 and HB 2516 recognizing marriage equality for same-sex couples."
But Microsoft followed up with more elaboration on why gay marriage is important.
"As other states recognize marriage equality, 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," Microsoft's spokesperson told the Seattle Times.
Currently, 24 state senators support Senate Bill 6239, which would legalize gay marriage. That's one vote short of passage. House leaders said they have enough votes there to pass the bill, and Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire said she would sign it.
The letter itself was brief: "We write you today to show the support of our respective companies for SB 6239 and HB 2516 recognizing marriage equality for same-sex couples."
But Microsoft followed up with more elaboration on why gay marriage is important.
"As other states recognize marriage equality, 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," Microsoft's spokesperson told the Seattle Times.
Currently, 24 state senators support Senate Bill 6239, which would legalize gay marriage. That's one vote short of passage. House leaders said they have enough votes there to pass the bill, and Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire said she would sign it.