Thomson Reuters Comes Out Against Gay Marriage Ban

Thomson Reuters, the company that operates the Reuters news agency, has come out against Minnesota’s proposed constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

This announcement was made in a statement released via email to Thomson Reuters employees on Friday.

The statement as quoted by the Human Rights Campaign reads:

“As we’ve heard from employees, recruiters and customers, one thing has been very clear: we’re a better place when we have a rich variety of perspectives, talents, backgrounds, lifestyles and experiences in our workplace, and within the broader community from which we recruit. We believe that building a culture that thrives on diversity and inclusion and provides equal opportunities to everyone is a critical factor in our ability to serve our customers and be successful. …We believe the Minnesota Marriage Amendment, if passed, would limit our ability to recruit and retain top talent. For this reason, we do not believe that the Amendment would be good for Thomson Reuters or the business community in the state.”

The media group termed its opposition to the measure as a “business position.”

Thomson Reuters, while having its headquarters in New York City, has almost 8,000 employees in Minnesota, most of them based in the Minneapolis suburb of Eagan.

The move has been praised by local LGBT rights groups.

“Today’s historic announcement by Thomson Reuters shows that, more and more, companies in Minnesota are standing up and saying that this hurtful amendment is not in the best interests of businesses, families or the state of Minnesota,” Richard Carlbom, executive director of Minnesotans United for All Families, is quoted as saying.

Those pushing for the amendment, the group Minnesota For Marriage, has said that Thomson Reuters should not take sides in this issue and lambasted Thomson about its concern over the financial impact of the measure, with Chuck Darrel, the group’s spokesperson, saying. ”The claim that it will hurt the Minnesota economy is a complete myth.”

The fact that groups are having to pump money into million dollar campaigns to either defend or oppose the ballot initiative, money that could be spent elsewhere, would seem to indicate otherwise.

Thomson Reuters is the latest on a now rapidly growing list of businesses actively opposing the amendment. Last month food giant General Mills added its name to those opposed to codifying the state’s existing ban on gay marriage.

Minnesota’s Marriage Amendment Title Announced

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Annmari L.

2:57PM PDT on Sep 9, 2012

Civil rights should NEVER be up for a public vote!

September 9
send a green star

10:05AM PDT on Jul 18, 2012

Interesting.

July 18
send a green star

Joe R.

5:35PM PDT on Jul 17, 2012

Let's hope Minnesota becomes the first state NOT to enact discrimination into its constitution when put to a popular vote. Thank you Thomson Reuters!!!

July 17
send a green star

Karen F.

5:15PM PDT on Jul 17, 2012

Good news just don't let the Russians or the far right religious zealots know. They just may quit reading!

Brenda T.

1:03PM PDT on Jul 16, 2012

Tolerance for all.

July 16
send a green star

Aroadtrip W.

3:23AM PDT on Jul 16, 2012

Great news.

Nancy C.

8:16PM PDT on Jul 15, 2012

Tolerance is becoming the norm slowly but surely. Thank God people are seeing the light. Remember, the majority usually votes pro or con when it comes to the rights for the minority. Sounds rediculous but, this is where we must progressively educate the "ignorant" to tolerance and acceptance.
People such as Lincoln and Kennedy both assasinated believed in the rights for the minorities. With these assainations came the domino effect and the rolling stone gathering speed as it rolls. Rights were eventually given to those who had been enslaved but there are still people out there who maintain the ignorant beliefs of a generation ago.
It's time to become more progressive and vocal for the rights of the minority.
With knowledge comes power and hopefully the power to do right. Power in the wrong hands can mean the distruction of society. Democracy falls and a dictatorship is born.