Apple CEO Tim Cook penned an op-ed article in Monday’s Wall Street Journal to urge the passage of a federal law that would protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees from discrimination in the workplace.
“For too long, too many people have had to hide that part of their identity in the workplace,” he wrote. “Those who have suffered discrimination have paid the greatest price for this lack of legal protection. But ultimately we all pay a price. If our co-workers cannot be themselves in the workplace, they certainly cannot be their best selves.”
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act faces a key vote in the Senate on Monday — supported by all 55 Democratic senators and at least a handful of Republicans, CNN Money reported.
It’s atypical for Mr. Cook to speak publicly about issues not directly affecting Apple’s operations, CNN said.
While 29 states still allow employers to fire workers based on sexual orientation, more than 90 percent of the Fortune 500 companies have adopted written nondiscrimination policies explicitly prohibiting harassment and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, the report said.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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