Big business called out for ‘corporate hypocrisy’ on North Carolina

The Family Research Council is calling out several major companies — including Google, Facebook and PayPal — that have flexed their corporate muscle on gay rights in several states, but continue to do business in countries much more hostile to gay rights around the world.

In a 65-second video released on Monday, FRC points out that several blue-chip corporations threatening to curtail commercial activity in North Carolina and Mississippi are perfectly willing to do business in countries where homosexual behavior is punishable by death.

“Big business is all up in arms about new laws passed in North Carolina and Mississippi,” the video begins. “Leaders of major corporations have denounced the new protections for women, children, churches and, yes, businesses, too.”

“But many of these same corporations are actively seeking to do business in Cuba; are doing business in countries where women are treated as property and not even allowed to drive; in countries where homosexual behavior is illegal; even in countries where homosexuality is punishable by death,” the video says. “What hypocrisy.”

“As big business scolds conservative lawmakers, just remember, when it comes to moral authority, these corporations don’t have any ground to stand on,” it concludes.

The ad specifically mentions Airbnb, Cisco Systems, Coca Cola, DOW Chemical, Facebook, Google, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Marriott Hotels, Northrop Grumman, PayPal and Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

The FRC also started a petition to stand with North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory, a Republican, against the tidal wave of opposition from the business community.

The North Carolina law passed last month prohibits people from using the public facilities of the opposite sex. The Mississippi law passed earlier this month prohibits the government from punishing those who subscribe to a traditional view of marriage, consisting of one man and one woman.