REI is Joining Others in Backing Gay Rights in Washington
REI has joined Seattle-area companies such as Amazon and Starbucks, in throwing support behind the effort to legalize same-sex marriage in Washington State.
The Kent-based outdoor retailer became the latest company to weigh in on gay marriage when CEO and President Sally Jewell informed her 11,000 employees of her stance on Referendum 74 in a blog posting
“REI is taking a position in support of marriage equality — an issue that is important to the co-op as an inclusive organization and a welcoming place to work and do business,” she wrote.
“Marriage equality is important to the co-op because the benefits, legal clarity and social understanding that Warren and I have enjoyed these past 34 years should be available to any two people who want to express their love and make a permanent commitment to each other that is so clearly provided for in the legal definition of marriage.”
In February, Washington became the seventh state in the country to pass legislation legalizing same-sex marriage. That law was blocked when opponents submitted thousands of signatures — forcing a public vote in November.
If voters approve R-74, the law passed earlier this year would be upheld and marriage laws in Washington would not take into account the gender of the couple.
In addition to REI, companies such as Nike, Google and Microsofthave come out in support of Referendum 74, according to Washington United for Marriage.
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