Friday, January 27, 2012

AMERICA - Companies Supporting Marriage Rights in State of Washington

"Starbucks, Google back gay marriage in Washington" (state) by KING 5 News 1/25/2012

Starbucks and Google are the latest corporations to support gay marriage in Washington state.

Washington United for Marriage announced Wednesday that the two companies are among dozens of businesses that are supporting SB 6239 and HB 2516 (state bills).

These companies bring the total number of supportive businesses to more than 100. The list of companies includes Microsoft, Nike and Group Health Plan.

"Marriage equality provides a multitude of intangible benefits to Washington businesses. Recognizing the relationships of all - irrespective of sexual orientation - means an open and innovative business climate that ensures fundamental fairness and basic civil rights for all," said Lacey All, Chair of Washington United for Marriage. The addition of these companies continues to show that momentum in Washington State is on the side of equality for all Washingtonians."

At this time, six states plus the District of Columbia recognize marriage for same-sex couples under state law: Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont.

Nine states - California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington - provide same-sex couples with access to the state level benefits and responsibilities of marriage, through either civil unions or domestic partnerships. Same-sex couples do not receive federal rights and benefits in any state.

Another win on the side of Human Rights, and Equal Rights (aka equal treatment under the law).

I cannot think of ANYTHING more sacred that the relationships of consenting adults. Local, state, nor federal law should anything to say about this, which would include marriage (or Civil Unions).

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