Internet retailer Amazon on Wednesday
became the latest high-profile Washington-based company to endorse an
effort to legalize gay marriage in the state, the Seattle Times
reported.
“Amazon is joining other Pacific
Northwest companies, including Microsoft, Starbucks and Nike, in
support of Washington state's marriage equality bills,” Amazon said
in a statement. “The spirit of these bills is consistent with our
longstanding employment practices.”
Amazon's support arrived just hours
before the
Washington Senate approved the bill by a wider margin than expected.
(Related: NOM
vows to repeal gay marriage in Washington.)
More than 100 companies have endorsed
the effort, including Concur, Group Health Cooperative, Nike,
RealNetworks and Vulcan.
Starbucks said in a statement that it
was “proud to join other leading Northwest employers in support of
Washington state legislation recognizing marriage equality for
same-sex couples.”
“This important legislation is
aligned with Starbucks' business practices and upholds our belief in
the equal treatment of partners,” the company said.
Microsoft added that not allowing gay
marriage could leave Washington companies at a competitive
disadvantage: “Washington's employers are at a disadvantage if we
cannot offer a similar, equitable and inclusive environment to our
talented employees, our top recruits and their families.”