AppleInsider Staff
Apple CEO Tim Cook on Friday stood in opposition to a new Indiana law that allows businesses in the state to legally discriminate against gays and lesbians, while calling on Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson to veto a similar measure that is set to hit his desk.
"Apple is open for everyone," Cook wrote on Twitter. "We are deeply disappointed in Indiana's new law and calling on Arkansas Gov. to veto the similar #HB1228."
"Around the world, we strive to treat every customer the same — regardless of where they come from, how they worship or who they love," he added in a subsequent tweet. Cook revealed that he was gay late last year.
Indiana's law, marketed as the "Religious Freedom Restoration Act," lets businesses use "religious beliefs" as a defense in discrimination suits. It was signed into law by Gov. Mike Pence earlier this week, sparking a flood of condemnation.
Cook is not the only Silicon Valley heavyweight to weigh in. Salesforce CEO Mark Benioff said on Thursday that his company would immediately cancel "all programs that require our customers/employees to travel to Indiana to face discrimination."
A similar measure has passed the Arkansas State Senate, and will be presented to Gov. Hutchinson for his signature or veto within the next few days. Hutchinson has previously indicated that he would sign it into law, saying that he believes " it's a bill that puts a high priority on religious freedom and recognizes that as a part of the balance."
William Gallagher
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551 Comments
It is not an anti-gay law. That is misinformation. It is a law for freedom of association. You cannot force people to associate with people they don't want to associate with.
It is not an anti-gay law. That is misinformation.
It is a law for freedom of association. You cannot force people to associate with people they don't want to associate with.
Are you from the US? Because if so, then your understanding of the constitutional reality of this country is seriously messed up. Let's say you own a restaurant. You don't want to "associate" with black people. Do you really think that you can ban black people from your restaurant?
The fact is, the 800 lb. elephant in the room is this: These proposals (and now laws, like in Indiana) talk about "religious" people not wanting to serve "sinners." Well, guess what? A basic tenet of Christianity is that EVERYONE is a sinner. So, in other words, if these merchants really lived up to their "beliefs" then they would serve NO ONE. Adulterer? No way. Alcoholic? Nope. Someone who says, "God damn!" Uh-uh. Anyone who has a tattoo? That's not going to happen.
Go read Leviticus some day.
Tim Cook is not only a good leader of Apple, he's a good man who believes in equality and, more importantly, people being decent to one and other. It's sad that you can't understand that.
He should read Indiana's state constitution, if he has a problem with it. I'm glad Indiana stood up for the rights of conscience, and is protecting business owner's rights.
your comment makes zero sense. If your business can refuse gay customers, that is discrimination. This law allows that.
Business owners rights? Like a white and black person water fountain in the store? Or no Black people allowed in the store? Some of you Americans have not evolved in the slightest.