Microsoft Backtracks, Supports Gay Rights Bill

Microsoft Corp. said yesterday that it would support a bill in Washington state to ban discrimination against gays and lesbians in housing, employment and insurance in the next legislative session, shifting away from the neutral stand it took on legislation that failed by one vote to pass last month.

In an e-mail to employees yesterday, Microsoft chief executive Steven A. Ballmer said he had heard from many workers who sent "passionate e-mails" conveying their unhappiness with the company's failure to throw its muscle behind the bill, as it had done with similar legislation several years ago.

Ballmer said Microsoft not only would support the bill next year in Washington state but also would continue to work with other companies to support similar federal legislation.

"After looking at the question from all sides, I've concluded that diversity in the workplace is such an important issue for our business that it should be included in our legislative agenda," Ballmer wrote to employees. "I'm proud of Microsoft's commitment to non-discrimination in our internal policies and benefits, but our policies can't cover the range of housing, education and financial and similar services that our people and their partners and families need."

Previously, Ballmer had said he did not want Microsoft to take a position on an issue that would divide its employees. Although some support the decision, others are members of a Seattle church whose pastor had strongly urged the company to oppose the bill in Washington state. The pastor, Rev. Ken Hutcherson, had threatened to push for a national boycott of Microsoft products if the company supported the legislation. Hutcherson did not return a phone call seeking comment.

Ballmer said that while he respects divergent viewpoints on the issue within the company, as chief executive he is "doing what I believe is right for our company as a whole."

Microsoft's earlier decision to take no position on the bill was criticized by gay rights supporters. In late April, the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center, an advocacy group, called on the company to return a prize it had received from the group several years ago. The company's image was taking a beating from employees who criticized the firm's handling of the situation in numerous postings on the Internet.

Yesterday, Joe Solomonese, president of the District-based Human Rights Campaign, a national advocacy group, heaped praise on Microsoft for shifting its position once again after meeting with him and listening to its own employees.

"What I am most pleased about in Steve Ballmer's statement is that it is a real business imperative on Microsoft's part to value a diverse workforce and to support a public policy that reinforces that principle," Solomonese said in an interview.

Washington state representative Edward Murray (D-Seattle), who sponsored last session's failed anti-discrimination bill, said he plans to reintroduce the measure. "Next year will bring a new session and I am ready to get to work in passing this overdue legislation," he said in a statement. "I am also looking forward to working with Microsoft and other corporate partners to make it happen."