I was proud this week to sign an open letter of support for marriage equality, adding our voice to the growing call for equal rights for all Australians. Microsoft has long held the belief that diversity and inclusion are essential to people achieving their best in the workplace and community.
We believe marriage equality makes good business sense. We know our customers reflect the diversity of people from around the globe and that’s why we cherish a workforce that also reflects that diversity. We also know that organisations are in a much better position to attract and retain the best employees when everyone feels welcomed and valued.
We have a proud history of supporting the rights of our LGBT employees and marriage equality. In 1993, Microsoft became the first Fortune 500 Company to provide same-sex domestic partnership benefits and in 2012, Microsoft supported legislation in the US state of Washington that recognised marriage equality for same-sex couples. We have continued to support same-sex marriage across the United States and around the world. That is why we proudly support the calls for marriage equality in Australia.
Ultimately, it is about fairness for individuals. When people are treated equally and with respect, our society can only become stronger and more prosperous. That can only be good thing and that’s why we have added our support to the calls for marriage equality in Australia.
