IBM has long been one of the LGBT-friendliest companies to work for, and they are putting their money where their mouth is by sending a letter to Governor Bobby Jindal and the top officials in the legislature opposing Louisiana's plan to enact an even more discriminatory RFRA then the anti-LGBT legislation Indiana and Arkansas had attempted to enact earlier this year.
Louisiana's bill is called the "Marriage and Conscience Act" and what IBM has to say about it is today's Queer Quote:
April 15, 2015
The Honorable Bobby Jindal Governor, State of Louisiana PO Box 94004 Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804-9004
Dear Governor Jindal,
I am writing to express IBM's strong opposition to H.B. 707, the Marriage and Conscience Act. We are deeply concerned by reports that you intend to support this legislation.
IBM has made significant investments in Louisiana including most recently a technology services delivery center in Baton Rouge, creating new jobs for Louisiana workers. We located the center in Baton Rouge because we believe Louisiana has great talent and would continue to be a rich source of such talent. However a bill that legally protects discrimination based on same-sex marriage status will create a hostile environment for our current and prospective employees, and is antithetical to our company’s values. IBM will find it much harder to attract talent to Louisiana if this bill is passed and enacted into law.
Our perspective is grounded in IBM's 104-year history and our deep legacy of diversity and inclusion - a legacy to which we remain strongly committed today. IBM is opposed to discrimination against anyone on the grounds of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected categories.
We urge you to work with the Legislature to ensure this legislation is not discriminatory.
Thank you for considering our views.
Sincerely,
James M. Driesse Senior State Executive
CC: The Hon. John A. Alario, Jr President, Louisiana State Senate State Capitol Building PO Box 94183 Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804
The Hon. Charles E. Checkley Speaker, Louisiana House of Representatives State Capitol Building PO Box 94062 Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804
Hat/tip to Joe Jervis
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