Tell Microsoft to reinstate its support for this important non-discrimination legislation

Send an email message to Microsoft President Bill Gates and CEO Steve Ballmer to ask them to reinstate support Washington State (House Bill 1515), a bill that would protect gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people from discrimination in employment, housing, and insurance.

Please send the messages today and please pass this along to your friends, colleagues and family members asking them to do the same.

Thank you!

Sample Letter for Campaign

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to express profound disappointment and anger at Microsoft's decision to reverse its long-held position and withdraw support from a bill in Washington State (House Bill 1515) that will protect gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people from discrimination in employment, housing, and insurance.

As you know, the bill passed the house but failed in the state senate by one vote. We respectfully urge you to join with your loyal employees and with Equal Rights Washington to once more support a law that is consistent with Microsoft's own internal policies.

Successful leaders know the value of principle and consistency. For years, Microsoft has made it clear that supporting equality for LGBT Americans is a good business decision because it helps attract and retain talented employees to the company. In recent days, your company has reiterated its pride in its nondiscrimination policies for LGBT employees. Your new position, however, replaces steadfast principle with ambiguity at best and, at worst, constitutes a clear step away from Microsoft's commitment to fairness and equality. No business or individual should be "neutral" when it comes to discrimination. In fact, protestations of "neutrality" with regard to discrimination are tantamount to supporting it.

I also am deeply alarmed to read reports that part of the reason for the change in your position on the non-discrimination legislation was objections from some of your employees. Logically, people who oppose basic civil rights for LGBT people in employment, housing and insurance also must oppose Microsoft's own internal nondiscrimination policies that grant similar protections and equality. Would Microsoft reverse its internal policies as well? Would Microsoft protest "neutrality" and declare an exception to nondiscrimination as the ideal standard for any other class of employees in your workforce?

I expect and deserve more from Microsoft.

I urge Microsoft to reinstate its support for this basic non-discrimination legislation and to publicly and promptly announce this support.

I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
May 05, 2005