It’s now been seven years in a row that Exxon shareholders have voted against including sexual orientation in their anti-discrimination policy, making Exxon the only Fortune 50 company to so flagrantly disregard their gay employees. Not only has Exxon not made proactive efforts to protect gays in their working environment, but they have actually taken steps backwards. Before merging with Exxon in 1999, Mobil had both an inclusive anti-discrimination policy and domestic partner benefits, both of which were taken away upon the merger.
We don’t think it should be up to the shareholders of a big oil company to do the right thing. The company executives should protect gays from discrimination and reinstate the domestic partner benefits for the good of their bottom line, as it will result in happier employees. When it comes to civil rights issues, the majority is rarely in the right, and Exxon needs to realize that.
Exxon rejects gay anti-discrimination policies [Pink News]
Arthur Shumway
It is time for everyone with any moral values to boycott Exxon I haven’t gone to one of their stations in at least 3 years!