NEW YORK - Are there any companies that aren’t proud to be allied with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities? Judging by the rainbow designs plastered across billboards, store fronts and email signatures as cities like New York prepare for their Pride festivities, it’s tempting to believe the answer is no. It’s easy to be cynical, but short-term profit doesn’t explain the outbreak of conspicuous support sweeping corporate America.
High-profile LGBT leaders remain scarce at large companies – Dow chief Jim Fitterling and Apple’s Tim Cook are rare examples – but treatment of LGBT employees and customers has come a long way. More than 570 businesses earned a 100% rating in the Human Rights Campaign’s LGBT-focused Corporate Equality Index this year, more than twice the number 10 years ago.
The idea that companies shouldn’t do such things has become mainstream. Cracker Barrel now has an LGBT staff alliance along with a comprehensive non-discrimination policy and offers the same benefits to same-sex married couples as it does those of different sexes. The $230 billion Shell is an outspoken supporter of LGBT communities. Numerous studies have shown that such a position is good for shareholders and profitability, to the point where saying so has become a truism.
Exxon’s example is encouraging, in that it shows that companies can change their views even when they don’t strictly have to. It’s not the only one that’s catching up with society more broadly. The Human Rights Campaign’s annual ranking of big U.S. companies gave oil and gas businesses a median score of 50 out of 100 this year. Not great, but better than the miserable 20 out of 100 the same companies notched up three years ago.
johnsfoley Breakingviews That's the truth.
johnsfoley Breakingviews I use to have mortgage, insurance, and bank accounts at the TD. I have moved out all business with them. The lgbtq politics are hostile to anyone who believes in family.
johnsfoley Breakingviews No it doesn’t. Woke capitalism encourages hyper partisan politics and actually divides communities more. Many companies that engage in this politicking are not seeking support from shareholders, many of whom are furious at being excluded from the conversation.
johnsfoley Breakingviews And parents are protesting sending their kids to school to learn about this. I will support a voucher system where the government pays 100% of the cost to allow parents to take their kids to private schools. That teach good moral values not bad behavior.
johnsfoley Breakingviews Companies shouldn’t single out any group for adulation unless the product they sell is geared toward that one group of consumers. Catering to the few leaves the rest of searching for an inclusive group which includes ALL. Surprise we r not all gay! We r however all human.
johnsfoley Breakingviews Says one of the mouthpieces for self-serving companies
johnsfoley Breakingviews That is a Toronto Dominion bank machine in Canada though
johnsfoley Breakingviews I have never been so sick of the LGBTQ community as I am now. One month of rainbows is way too long. They have gone from a cause to an annoying neighbour. ENOUGH ALREADY
johnsfoley Breakingviews You’re right Reuter’s it is easy to be cynical given that one month of occasional corporate mouth noises and stuff painted in rainbow hues seems to be little more than company tactics to gain a progressive rep without actually doing anything
Pandering takes over most companies... sad
Backfiring massively
Breakingviews johnsfoley I am just wondering what is there left to do? Do they not have all the rights and more afforded to straight citizens ?
Breakingviews johnsfoley It's OK to dislike homosexuality. It's not OK that you shove it down our throats daily.
Breakingviews johnsfoley Using what once was something beautiful like the rainbow to indoctrinate children, by pushing this degenerate sexual agenda.
Breakingviews johnsfoley I feel this acronym is getting longer and longer, was not an A there?
Breakingviews johnsfoley I feel I am a minority now, left out and neglected.
Breakingviews johnsfoley How about trying to change views on LGBTQ in AFrica and the Middle East. Lots more to do about it there!
Breakingviews johnsfoley This is why Congress must vote to end tax free status for all Political and Social Groups. If these Groups paid taxes they wouldn't be so powerful.
Breakingviews johnsfoley Welcome to Woke Capitalism.
Breakingviews johnsfoley LGBTQ rights? What rights?
Breakingviews johnsfoley Nope. Capitalism is the problem, not the solution.
Breakingviews johnsfoley Lol nah