'Nike knows equality is not just the right thing to do, it's sound business practice,' said HRC President Joe Solmonese.

WASHINGTON - Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese made the following statement on the heels of Nike's endorsement of a bill in the Oregon Senate that would create civil unions for same-sex couples as well as a bill that would outlaw discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees:

"Nike knows equality is more than the right thing, it's also sound business practice. By ensuring that employees can do their work without worrying about protecting their families, companies help their bottom line. It's good for business and it's good for the community.

"Most Oregonians agree that state law should ensure that every family has equal rights and responsibilities. While they pushed a discriminatory amendment to the Oregon Constitution prohibiting marriage for same-sex couples, many legislators claimed to support civil unions as well. It's time to stop denying protections to hard-working, tax-paying citizens.

"We urge the Oregon Senate and next the House to vote with this in mind. Fairness is good for Oregonians."