36 Oregon Employers File Amicus Brief Opposing Stae Marriage Ban

In an earlier post today I noted the backlash Mozilla has been experiencing as a result of the past anti-gay bigotry of the company's newly appointed CEO.  In sharp contrast to Mozilla are 36 Oregon employers who have filed a brief opposing that states same sex marriage ban.  True, there are companies like Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties that are anti-modernity, but increasingly big business recognizes that diversity and religious neutrality are the most conducive to success.  The Register-Guard looks at the court filing and the list of companies joining in its filing.  Here are highlights:

A coalition of 36 Oregon employers — including Nike, the University of Oregon and the Portland Timbers — have weighed in on same sex marriage, urging a judge to overturn Oregon’s ban on it.

The employer coalition filed an “amicus curiae” or, “friend of the court” legal brief today in a case before the United States District Court in Eugene, saying that the ban on same sex marriage causes significant harm to Oregon businesses.

“To attract and retain the best talent, we believe we need laws that promote diversity and inclusion, that treat all Oregonians equally and that prevent discrimination,” Nike’s general counsel, Hilary Krane, said on behalf of the coalition.

The companies that signed the amicus brief said the ban forces them “to involuntarily become the face of discrimination based on sexual orientation when they are forced to administer benefits differently for employees with a same-sex spouse in order to comply with Oregon law (e.g., income tax law). That imposes additional confusion, costs, and administrative burdens, which further harm Oregon businesses and their employees.”

Nike has taken the lead in other states in filing similar amicus briefs, which are filed by businesses, organizations or individuals who aren’t a direct party in a lawsuit, but who have an interest in it.

Other employers who joined in filing the legal brief in Oregon are: Autodesk; Celilo Group Media, Inc.; Christopher David Experience Design; Columbia Sportswear Company; EDJE Consulting; Gard Communications; Gerding Edlen; HM3 Energy, Inc.; Intel Corporation; Jubitz Family Foundation; Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.; Medford Fabrication; Moda Health; Morel Ink; Neil Kelly Company; Northwest Evaluation Association; NW Natural; Oregon Business Association; Oregon Health & Science University; Oregon State University; PECI; Portland General Electric Company; Portland Public Schools; Portland State University; Powell’s Books; Russell Development Company; salesforce.com, Inc.; Standard Insurance Company; Starbucks Coffee Company; Portland Business Alliance; Tonkon Torp; Torpet LLC; and Weinstein PR.

Oral arguments are expected before the U.S. District Court on April 23.  U.S. District Judge Michael McShane has scheduled oral arguments for April 23 on two consolidated lawsuits challenging the gay marriage prohibition.