Corporate Responses to Conservative Backlash
With the help of HRC, a number of corporations have successfully mitigated the impact of conservative backlash to the implement of GLBT inclusive policies and practices.
- Nike Endorses Oregon Non-Discrimination and Civil Unions Bill
"A lot of people make decisions to support Nike's products on more than just a single issue," said Nike spokesman Vada Manager, adding that Nike has taken stances on other social and athletic issues in ads or other forums. "They understand that Nike does advance a point of view and doesn't sit on the sidelines of certain issues that we support."
Dozens of large companies offer benefits to same-sex couples, said Daryl Herrschaft, deputy director for the Human Rights Campaign's workplace project, because it is in their interest to cultivate a diverse work force and tolerant environment.
"Nike's endorsement is a very important statement from the corporate community that fairness is a value that is good for business and good for government as well," Herrschaft said.
The Oregonian, July 15, 2005 - Focus on the Family Cancels Accounts with Wells Fargo
A Wells Fargo spokesman said the $50,000 donation to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation came from profits on accounts in the San Francisco area, not Colorado, where Focus on the Family has its headquarters.
"We absolutely made a $50,000 grant to GLAAD, and we're absolutely proud of our support for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community," said Chris Hammond, spokesman for the banking giant, which gives about $2 million a year to gay and lesbian organizations.
-The San Francisco Chronicle, December 6, 2005 - Microsoft Supports Washington State Anti-Discrimination Bill
"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," Steve Ballmer wrote in an e-mail.
Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay rights group, applauded the shift.
"We are proud that Microsoft did the right thing and has come down squarely on the side of fairness for all employees," Solmonese said in a statement. "It is clear from Mr. Ballmer's statement that it is a business imperative to value a diverse workforce and support public policy that reinforces that principle."
-Associated Press, May 6, 2005 - Ford Reinstates Advertising in GLBT Publications
Ford's chairman and chief executive, Bill Ford, said Monday that the automaker values "all people - regardless of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation and cultural or physical differences."
-Associated Press December 14, 2005 - Kraft and Harris Bank Support Chicago Gay Games
"We are standing behind our sponsorship," said Alyssa Burns, a Kraft spokeswoman. "It's something we want to support."
The company has declined to comment further on the opposition to its stance. The City of Chicago, which lobbied to be the host city, also isn't deterred by the criticism.
"We haven't gotten any pressure to take back the games at all," said William Greaves, Mayor Richard M. Daley's liaison to the gay community. "We're fully committed. It's a sporting event and the city is known for putting on world-class sporting events."
Harris Bank also is not wavering in its sponsorship.
"Harris supports a wide variety of community events across a diverse spectrum," said Jen Dillon, a bank spokeswoman. "We are happy to join many other companies in the city's goal with these games."
-Chicago Tribune, June 6, 2005