On Tuesday, two lead execs for Google’s Seattle and Kirkland offices sent an editorial to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer urging the approval of Referendum 71. Referendum 71 is a ballot initiative to maintain a Washington state law that would extend domestic partnership rights nearly equivalent to that of marriage to all same-sex couples.
Here is the text of the editorial:
To the Editor:
Google has a reputation for actively participating in policy debates surrounding information access, technology and energy. However, we do not generally take positions on social, legal or political issues that arise beyond our normal, day-to-day business. With that said, there are issues that are so important and so clear cut that we feel compelled to lend our voice. Supporting Referendum 71 is one of those issues.
To be clear, we respect the strongly-held beliefs that people have on both sides of this argument. Nevertheless, we see this debate as one that comes down to equality, plain and simple. If we believe in equal protection under the law we must, in our view, support a man or woman’s right to enjoy the legal benefits of domestic partnerships — no matter who they love.
For the residents of Washington who want for themselves or their children the right to engage in domestic partnerships, we urge the voters of this state to APPROVE Referendum 71.
Brian Bershad – Engineering and Site Director, Google Seattle
Scott Silver – Engineering and Site Director, Google Kirkland
Google is just the latest among many major US companies to support the referendum, including Microsoft, Nike, Puget Sound Energy, RealNetworks, and Vulcan.
If you want to help counter the negative efforts of these big businesses, you can help protect marriage by donating at Protect Marriage Washington.