For many people same-sex marriage is a highly charged, emotional issue that has polarized the United States and other countries. However, Microsoft, Vulcan, Nike, RealNetworks, Group Health Cooperative, and Concur are pushing for the legalization of same-sex marriage in Washington State because they believe that discrimination of any kind lowers the quality of employees that the company is able to hire. As long as same-sex marriage is illegal in Washington State, these venerable corporations don’t think that they can compete for talent with states that have already legalized same-sex marriage.
In order to further their cause, collectively Microsoft, Vulcan, Nike, RealNetworks, Group Health Cooperative, and Concur have sent a joint letter to Washington Governor Chris Gregoire endorsing two bills that if passed would allow civil marriages between same-sex couples in Washington State.
This is no surprise where Microsoft is concerned. They have always taken a leadership role in the area of equality for same-sex couples. In addition to supporting gay rights and same-sex marriage, Microsoft was one of the first with a non-discrimination policy in place protecting against discrimination due to sexual orientation and one of the first to provide benefits for the same-sex partners of its employees.
It amazes me that in 2012 people in the United States are still fighting for basic human rights and that same-sex marriage is legal in only six states - Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont.
Where human rights are concerned, Canada has taken a leadership role, granting all of its citizens equality regardless of their sexual orientation. Same-sex marriage is legal in Canada. Many couples from around the world come to Canada to get married; however your marriage won’t be recognized as legal in any jurisdiction that doesn’t recognize same-sex marriage.
Contact I Do InStyle for any information on same-sex marriage. 613-440-4446
