Add T-Mobile to the ever-growing list of companies speaking out in favor of same-sex marriage in Washington state.
Bellevue Patch cites company officials who said that the cell phone network will contribute $25,000 to Washington United For Marriage (WUM), which is currently working to pass the state's Referendum 74, which would affirm the legislatively-backed law that legalizes same-sex marriage.
“T-Mobile has a long-standing focus on creating an inclusive workplace environment for our employees,” Jim Alling, T-Mobile's interim chief executive officer and chief operating officer is quoted by Bellevue Patch as saying in a statement. “Our support of this issue is a reflection of our culture, how we do business, and our belief in the fair and equitable treatment of all employees.”
Among those to praise the effort was WUM's Campaign Manager Zach Silk, who said his group was "very excited" by the move.
“As one of the top employers in the Puget Sound area, T-Mobile’s support demonstrates a commitment to employees, customers, and communities in Washington state," Silk wrote on WUM's website.
The T-Mobile annoucement follows that of Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), whose president detailed her company's stance in a blog post penned to the 11,000 employees of the Washington-based outdoor retailer, which was founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers.
Whether or not the T-Mobile will face a backlash in the wake of the news remains to be seen, but both Starbucks and General Mills (whose lineup includes such iconic brands as Wheaties, Betty Crocker, Haagen-Dazs, Pillsbury and Yoplait) faced criticism from marriage equality opponents immediately after declaring their support.
View other companies which have faced boycotts following their stance on LGBT rights:
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