Business Impact of Same-Sex Relationship Recognition: Examples of Relationship Recognition Advocacy
Employers have stepped forward on behalf of same-sex partners by joining business coalitions to oppose laws or constitutional amendments that would limit same-sex relationship recognition and to support laws that would enhance protections for same-sex partners.
Nike Supports Civil Unions Bill
In June 2005, Nike Inc. announced its support for a civil unions bill just before a historic vote in the Oregon Senate. A bipartisan group worked to rewrite legislation prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing, employment and public services.
Earlier in 2005, a coalition that included Gov. Ted Kulongoski introduced Senate Bill 1000, which would establish a system for civil unions and would ban discrimination against gays and lesbians. A decision was made later to split the two issues and move ahead with the civil unions portion as Senate Bill 1073.
Nike – the only Fortune 500 Company based in Oregon – endorsed both SB1000 and SB1073 in a letter delivered to Senate leaders.
Letter from Nike Inc. To Oregon Senate Leaders
June 21, 2005
The Honorable Peter Courtney
State Capitol
Salem, OR 97301
Dear Senate President Peter Courtney:
On behalf of Nike, Inc., I write in support of passage of Senate Bill 1000 and Senate Bill
1073. SB 1000 will prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodation and services and education on the basis of sexual orientation. The bill will also create civil unions and extend a set of rights and responsibilities to same-sex permanent partners. Senate Bill 1073, another bill under consideration by the legislature, contains similar provisions relating to the creation of civil unions.
Nike has a record of leadership in support of diversity and non-discrimination, as recognized by the Human Rights Campaign. Nike is committed to diversity and inclusion and strives to treat our employees equally without regard to sexual orientation or marital
status. The non-discrimination provisions contained within SB 1000 are consistent with Nike's corporate policies and practices and our support of similar legislation at the federal and state level. We strongly support the non-discrimination provisions in SB 1000, as this
legislation will extend a set of basic rights to many Oregonians.
Nike also supports the provisions in SB 1073 and SB 1000 creating civil unions and extending a set of rights and responsibilities to same-sex permanent partners, which are consistent with their financial and non-financial commitments. Supporting the creation of civil unions is a meaningful complement to the non-discrimination position Nike has taken previously. And, civil unions promote inclusion by providing all our employees the opportunity to enter into lasting permanent relationships without regard to sexual orientation. As a global company, we have employees in other countries who can opt to register civil unions or an equivalent status.
One of the Nike Maxims is to "Do the Right Thing," which asks our employees not to look for things that make us different, but to look for things that make us better. Many of
our employees' lives will be better because of the passage of these bills.
Sincerely,
Wes Coleman
Nike, Vice President of Global Human Resources
Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Opposes Wisconsin Amendment
In 2006, the State of Wisconsin passed a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between one man and one woman. State law already prohibited same-sex marriage. Whether the amendment has an impact on domestic partner benefits or other legal contracts between unmarried opposite-sex and same-sex couples has yet to be determined.
The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce came out against the amendment banning same-sex marriage and civil unions. "The board was hearing from a number of businesses about the challenges they faced recruiting and retaining a quality work force, so we decided to weigh in on it," said Jennifer Alexander, president of the chamber. Alexander said her membership was concerned that the proposed amendment would deter workers from coming to or staying in Wisconsin. "We cannot afford to discourage a single skilled worker from joining our work force," said Alexander. "The Greater Madison Chamber recognizes that the proposed civil unions and marriage ban would set back economic development in our community," said Mayor Dave Cieslewicz in a news release.
For more information, visit Fair Wisconsin.
• Fair Wisconsin