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In case you haven’t heard, there’s a proposition on the California ballot this year, Prop. 8, that is attempting to ban gay marriage in the state. A lot of people have spoken up about the issue, including Google. But now, another high-profile company is openly opposing the initiative: Apple.
Apple announced today that they would be donating $100,000 to the No on Prop 8 campaign, in an effort to stop the measure that would make it illegal for gay couples to get married in California. Apple even released a statement to go along with their donation:
“Apple was among the first California companies to offer equal rights and benefits to our employees’ same-sex partners, and we strongly believe that a person’s fundamental rights–including the right to marry–should not be affected by their sexual orientation. Apple views this as a civil rights issue, rather than just a political issue, and is therefore speaking out publicly against Proposition 8.”
Good for them for standing up for what they believe in. What do you think when companies get involved politically? Is it good or bad. We’d love to hear what you think in the comments.
[via CNET News]
6 Responses to “Apple opposes anti-gay marriage prop; donates $100,000”
nicolas October 24, 2008
what does a computer maker has to do with a sexual orientation ?
on the matter if apple is so kind as to tell us what is right or wrong, may be it could say on what ground principle does it says that homosexuality should be rewarded by society by recognizing union through mariage, while polygamy, zoophilia, pedophilia sould not be.
-3Shiv October 25, 2008
For one governments are “of the people, by the people and FOR the people” and apple as a forum of people has every right to petition and persuade the Govt. from doing something wrong. In two of the three examples cited above there is no consent from the other party involved and if more than 2 consented adults are involved in a wedlock fully acknowledging the arrangement, then as I understand bi-gamy laws cant apply (IANL).
+1Wayne October 25, 2008
Businesses of all sizes exist for one reason: to make profit for whomever owns them. In Apples case, that’s the stockholders. Although seemingly admirable, Apple would be smart not to get involved in politics. Apple has worked hard to create a certain image: great design, great UI, everything just works. Anything, not matter how important it seems, that doesn’t support that image is a distraction, and, by definition, negative. It’s as if your favorite actor, decided to publicly support a politician, gaining more press for his/her support than the actor’s movies or shows receive. The next time you watch that actor in a show, if you are thinking (good or bad) about that actor’s politics, instead of losing yourself in the story, then that’s bad for the actor. The experience has been lessened, even though you might admire the actor as a person. Apple’s involvement could have the same effect. When I enter an Apple store, I want to me mesmerized by the technology. I do not want to think about which political agenda’s the company supports.
+2Anonymous October 25, 2008
You Go Apple!!
NeutralEddie October 25, 2008
I am happy that companies are taking the time to approve same sex couples as equals to opposite sexes. Its nice to see companies care about people and their feelings unlike this government, it is non of their business what people like and don’t like, America is so behind everywhere in the world it does not matter if you are gay or not its your choice and people should not care, Is America a comi country and whatever they say we have to do and think that way, what happen to all man are created equal? People are not treated equal still not by color, or sexuality.
NeutralNeil October 30, 2008
Marriage is and always has been between one man and one woman.
Not any combination your mind can come up with.
You don’t think so?
Ok.
Would you attend the wedding of two siblings? What about a father and daughter? Would you consider that a real marriage? Don’t these people have rights?
Once you redefine marriage you open the door to anything.
-2It’s just a matter of time before people will be demanding THE RIGHT to marry their children, or their pets, and they’ll call anyone who opposes them ‘intolerant’ and ‘bigoted’.
Will Apple contribute money to these people’s cause too?