Nike on Tuesday endorsed a proposed
initiative that seeks to repeal Oregon's 2004 gay marriage ban and
legalize such unions in the state.
The company announced the creation of
the Nike Equality PAC to raise money in support of the effort.
Nike seeded the PAC with $280,000.
“We chose to set up the Nike Equality
PAC so Nike had an avenue to support campaign efforts that are
directly related to winning marriage equality in Oregon,” Nike
spokeswoman Mary
Remuzzi said in a written statement. “Also … it is important
that our company's contribution only support efforts related to
marriage equality versus other political issues or ballot measure
campaigns, and we want to offer this option to our employees as
well.”
Mike Marshall, campaign director for
Oregon United for Marriage, applauded Nike's move.
“Nike has just stood up for marriage
equality in an unprecedented way, with a monumental financial
contribution to support the Freedom to Marry and Religious Protection
Initiative,” Marshall said. “Nike has been a leader for marriage
equality, and this incredible move puts Nike out front among Oregon
businesses who are taking a stand for winning the freedom to marry
for Oregon's same-sex couples. We are so proud and grateful for
their generous support.”
Nike, which is headquartered in
Washington County, was also among the companies that supported
passage of a marriage equality referendum last year in Washington
state.