WASHINGTON– Today in an op-ed in Bloomberg Businessweek, Apple CEO Tim Cook publicly took a courageous step forward.  In doing so, he committed himself to using the influence that comes with heading of one of the world’s largest corporations to fight for the rights and equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people across America.  Cook and Apple were already leaders in advocating for LGBT equality and have for years promoted inclusive workplaces practices within the corporation, consistently scoring a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index.  They have also lobbied for legal solutions to discrimination like marriage equality and workplace non-discrimination laws at the federal level.  In response to today’s news, Human Rights Campaign (HRC) President Chad Griffin issued the following statement:

“Tim Cook’s announcement today will save countless lives. He has always been a role model, but today millions across the globe will draw inspiration from a different aspect of his life.  Tim Cook is proof that LGBT young people can dream as big as their minds will allow them to, whether they want to be doctors, a U.S. Senator, or even CEO of the world’s biggest brand.  Apple has consistently fought for the LGBT community and we’re incredibly grateful that today’s announcement will bring even more to their work for equality.” 

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. HRC envisions a world where LGBT people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

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