p2pnet.net News:- Microsoft ceo Steve Ballmer says Bill and the Boyz have decided to reverse their earlier decision not to endorse a Washington gay rights bill and will back it after all.

“Last month it was learned that Microsoft had rescinded its endorsement of a gay rights bill that was before the Washington state legislature," says 365gay.com. "The bill was defeated by a single vote in the Senate. It had already passed the House before Microsoft’s rejection became known.

"It was then learned that the Microsoft decision to withdraw its support for the bill followed a meeting between the company and the leader of an evangelical church located a stone’s throw from Microsoft’s Redmond headquarters."

But, “After looking at the question from all sides, I’ve concluded that diversity in the workplace is such an important issue for our business that it should be included in our legislative agenda,” Ballmer says in a staff email, going on:

“Accordingly, Microsoft will continue to join other leading companies in supporting federal legislation that would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation – adding sexual orientation to the existing law that already covers race, sex, national origin, religion, age and disability. Given the importance of diversity to our business, it is appropriate for the company to endorse legislation that prohibits employment discrimination on all of these grounds. Obviously, the Washington state legislative session has concluded for this year, but if legislation similar to HB 1515 is introduced in future sessions, we will support it.”

However, Ballmer couldn’t resist using even this as a platform to promote Microsoft plans and products.

“The questions raised by these issues are important,” he adds in his email.

“At the same time, we have a lot of other important work to do. Over the next 18 months we’ll release a broader, more advanced and more exciting set of products than at any time in the company’s history. Let’s all recommit to the job ahead, using our diversity as a strength to work together creatively and with respect for each other.”

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See:-
365gay.com – Microsoft Reverses Course – Again Supports Gay Rights, May 6, 2005
staff email – Text of Steve Ballmer’s e-mail to employees, Associated Press, May 6, 2005

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