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Article in the Seattle Stranger gives the background: Microsoft Caves on Gay Rights, Pressured by Evangelical Minister, Microsoft Withdraws Support for Civil Rights Bill, by Sandeep Kaushik (04/21/05)

After having several discussions with my friends about this and hearing about the employee experience, I have several observations.

1. I am disappointed, deeply, in the way Microsoft handled this. I think there was a missed opportunity to show “emotional intelligence” in handling this. And, it was missed.

2. One thing that I picked up on was the number of companies in Washington who supported the bill - I first thought that Microsoft was going out on a limb to have a position on something like this, but now I don’t think that’s the case. It will be up to Microsoft’s customer base to figure out what message that sends. It doesn’t send a good one to me.

3. I am still incredibly impressed with the caliber of staff that Microsoft hires and nurtures. A company is not a thing - it is a group of people, and Microsoft has really good people. These people stood up and stand up for equal rights for everyone every day. There is no question that acceptance for all makes for a more productive and healthy workplace. I for one am honored to be in the company of some of these folks.

To get a sense of what “rights” we are talking about, take a look at this list. It’s a long one.

I suppose I wish that the leadership in Redmond would listen to its own employees and use their talent and energy to guide their decision making. I am perfectly fine with a company telling the world that their employees matter more than anything; certainly more than a fringe group with known criminal activity. Doesn’t that strike anyone else as odd?

As I told my friend Matt, who is a hero among his colleagues for speaking out, “When we were young and afraid, we wondered if anyone would stand up for us. Now we are the anyone.” That’s the charge for us adults moving forward.

Update: LA Gay and Lesbian Center asks Microsoft to give back Diversity Award. Sounds like a reasonable request.

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