Starbucks and Google on Tuesday
endorsed an effort to make Washington the seventh state to legalize
gay marriage.
Washington United for Marriage, the gay
rights group backing the proposed legislation, announced that the two
companies have joined a list of more than 100 supportive companies,
including Microsoft, Nike and Group Health Plan.
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.
“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.”
(Related: Washington
set to legalize gay marriage with Senator Mary Haugen's vote.)