[PeppyGPhiB]

The reason the CEO of CFA pissed me off was because, as CEO of his company, he's not just speaking for himself. He leads a company, and presumably, its business practices. I haven't looked at CFA's benefits for its workers in its stores and corporate, but if he is letting his personal beliefs infringe on the rights of his employees (legal and tax benefits), it is no longer just about his right to free speech...it's also about the company's treatment and support of its workforce. He has a right to say what he wants, but that doesn't mean I (and others) have to like it or respect the content of his words.

Here in Washington state we'll have a referendum on our November ballot to either uphold (Yes) the equal marriage law our state legislature passed this year, or strike it down (No). A number of large employers in our state - Boeing, Microsoft, Starbucks, Google, Amazon, Nike, Facebook - have publicly endorsed equal marriage because they believe in equal rights for all of their employees. They care about attracting the most skilled workforce, and keeping them happy by offering them great benefits is one way to keep a competitive edge. They can't attract the best talent - regardless of sexual orientation - if people don't want to move to the state because they can't marry here and get the same benefits their coworkers and neighbors receive. There are plenty of legal, tax and money-saving benefits that come with marriage, and plus, who really wants to live someplace where they're a second class citizen if there are other places that will welcome them with open arms? In addition to businesses, though, nonprofit and government entities in our state have endorsed the Yes campaign, including the Seattle Chamber of Commerce, King County Labor Council, YWCA and tons of churches/houses of worship and faith organizations.

If the head of CFA is in favor of discriminating against any gay employees that may work for him, not offering them the same benefits as his straight employees, then I have every right to hold CFA accountable.