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Microsoft
Microsoft Dooms Washington State LGBT Rights Bill
Call Microsoft on its amoral legislative activity: In the last month, Microsoft has pulled its support for an LGBT non-discrimination bill in Washington state and has advocated for the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA).
Please take a moment and send an email to Microsoft and their public relations team to tell them that you're watching their actions, and you're not afraid to take your business elsewhere. Simply fill out the box to your right to send an email to Microsoft and their public relations team.
The LGBT non-discrimination measure was defeated in the state senate by one vote on April 21st after having passed the House of Representatives. No Republicans in the state senate voted for the bill. Two Democratic state senators also voted against the measure.
The state senate Republican leader, Bill Finkbeiner, represents the district where Microsoft is headquartered in Redmond, WA.
Microsoft had withdrawn its support for the non-discrimination bill after being threatened with a national boycott by a right-wing minister, Ken Hutcherson, as reported by the New York Times The Stranger and America Blog. (Visit the Tell Me More Page For Links To These Sites)
WashTech / CWA reports that last month Microsoft launched a lobbying offensive in support of the U.S. free-trade agenda and placed advertisements in the New York Times, Capitol Hill's Roll Call, and other publications. Microsoft is calling for passage of a proposed expansion of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to six additional nations through a Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), among other trade initiatives (See link below.)
CAFTA would serve to push ahead the corporate globalization model that has caused the "race to the bottom" in labor and environmental standards and would promote privatization and deregulation of key public services.
Please take a moment and send an email to Microsoft and their public relations team to tell them that you're watching their actions, and you're not afraid to take your business elsewhere. Simply fill out the box to your right to send an email to Microsoft and their public relations team.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Microsoft: For Shame!
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
It has come to my attention that Microsoft has recently withdrawn its support for a Washington state bill that would have outlawed discrimination in housing, employment, and banking on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. The Bill died in the Washington State Senate by one vote. Microsoft's withdrawl of support for the bill surely doomed its fate. For shame, Microsoft, for shame.
In addition, I object to Microsoft's support of CAFTA. CAFTA would serve to push ahead the corporate globalization model that has caused the "race to the bottom" in labor and environmental standards and would promote privatization and deregulation of key public services.
As a customer of Microsoft, I am seriously concerned about your company's latest actions. I reserve the right to take my business elsewhere if these actions are not quickly corrected.
Sincerely,
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