General Mills won’t back down on its support of gay marriage, says spokesman Tom Forsythe. And why should it, when it’s for all the right reasons - like diversity and inclusion - and good for business as well.
The Minnesota-based company went public with its stand in response to the state’s proposed ban on same-sex marriage, citing a decades-long goal to “create an inclusive culture“ for its employees.
But National Organization for Marriage says these values and goals turn GM’s trademark “G” into a kind of “scarlet letter” representing “Gay Marriage.” To accommodate consumers who feel guilty about eating a bowl of GM’s Lucky Charms, for example, NOM is providing them a whole list of products to boycott.
Forsythe told the press that although GM defends and respects others’ rights to disagree, it believes it’s “important for Minnesota to be viewed as inclusive and welcoming” as it strives to be.
Thank General Mills for taking the high road on the issue of marriage equality.
We, the undersigned, appreciate General Mills’ courageous public support of LGBT rights and marriage equality, as well as your advocacy for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).
We believe your values of diversity, equality and inclusion are those that are consistent with those of America’s Constitution and laws, and we see no reason for any group or organization in this democracy to object to them.
Many similar positions on equal rights have, in the past, been seen as radical, and hopefully organizations like NOM, who try to paint GM’s stand as a “radical social agenda” will someday look back in shame upon their shortsighted bigotry.
Despite the opposition of these few groups, we believe GM's stand is good for the public and for business as well, setting an example for other companies to follow.
We wish to count ourselves among the many who share your vision, values and goals, and we thank you for taking this bold stand for justice now, before its merits become obvious to all.
