Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Microsoft Switches Gay Rights Position, Again

  • 09-05-2005 8:21am
    #1
    opus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,053 ✭✭✭


    Spotted this on betanews.com, thought it might be of interest...

    MS Switches Gay Rights Position, Again
    By Nate Mook, BetaNews
    May 6, 2005, 3:28 PM

    Microsoft has backed away from its neutral stance when it comes to anti-discrimination for gays in the workplace, once again pledging its support for legislation protecting gay rights. The neutral position sparked a flurry of media attention in late April. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced the change of heart in a letter to employees.

    "After looking at the question from all sides, I've concluded that diversity in the workplace is such an important issue for our business that it should be included in our legislative agenda. Since our beginning nearly 30 years ago, Microsoft has had a strong business interest in recruiting and retaining the best and brightest and most diverse workforce possible," Ballmer wrote.

    "I'm proud of Microsoft's commitment to non-discrimination in our internal policies and benefits, but our policies can’t cover the range of housing, education, financial and similar services that our people and their partners and families need. Therefore, it's appropriate for the company to support legislation that will promote and protect diversity in the workplace.

    "Accordingly, Microsoft will continue to join other leading companies in supporting federal legislation that would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation -- adding sexual orientation to the existing law that already covers race, sex, national origin, religion, age and disability.

    "Given the importance of diversity to our business, it is appropriate for the company to endorse legislation that prohibits employment discrimination on all of these grounds. Obviously, the Washington State legislative session has concluded for this year, but if legislation similar to HB 1515 is introduced in future sessions, we will support it."

    "I respect that there will be different viewpoints," Ballmer conceeded. "But as CEO, I am doing what I believe is right for our company as a whole."


Advertisement