Laser: "Hopefully ExxonMobil will learn from the examples of the many major corporations that have established just corporate non-discrimination policies that also make sound business sense."
Contact: Sean Thibault or Benny Witkovsky
202.387.2800 | news@rac.org
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 6, 2013 -- In response to the vote of ExxonMobil's shareholders against updating the company's non-discrimination policy to include protections for LGBT workers, Rachel Laser, the Deputy Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, released the following statement:
"ExxonMobil may lead American corporations in terms of size and profits, but it has decided yet again to remain woefully behind the curve on LGBT rights. Nearly all of the 50 top Fortune 500 companies have non-discrimination policies that protect LGBT employees; a significant portion provide benefits to domestic partners and same-sex spouses as well. In addition to their clear moral foundation, these policies help companies recruit and retain the best employees - regardless of how they identify or whom they love. Hopefully ExxonMobil will learn from the examples of the many major corporations that have established just corporate non-discrimination policies that also make sound business sense.
ExxonMobil's failure to change their policy is compounded by the high number of federal contracts that the company receives. A company should not be allowed to take public money and use it to discriminate - it betrays our constitutional promise of equal protection under the law. The decision also violates our religious precept that all people are created in the image of the Divine. Today we renew our call for President Obama to issue an executive order prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in all federal contracts. While Congress continues to debate the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would provide such protections in most workplaces across the country, President Obama has the opportunity to act immediately to protect the millions of Americans employed through federal contracts. It is time for ExxonMobil and other corporations without non-discrimination policies, President Obama and the United States Congress to take decisive action to ensure that all LGBT people are provided protection and fairness in the workplace."
