HRC Blog

REI Endorses Marriage Equality in Washington State

August 14, 2012 by Eric Cameron, Digital Media Associate

Recreational outfitter REI has joined a long and growing list of Washington employers standing up for marriage equality in Washington State.

In an internal company blog post, President and CEO Sally Jewell explained the company’s public endorsement:

REI is taking a position in support of marriage equality — an issue that is important to the co-op as an inclusive organization and a welcoming place to work and do business.

… My own journey in understanding and coming to this position on marriage equality has been shaped by thoughtful, heartfelt discussions with people who have held a variety of differing perspectives. I encourage you to engage each other in a discussion, practicing our core value of respect—we listen to and learn from each other.

The NOM-affiliated Ruth Institute has already accused REI of “opposing your right as a biological parent” by supporting key rights and legal protections for committed same-sex couples.

HRC is proud to have been a founding member of the campaign to pass marriage equality in Washington State, working side-by-side with state partners. You can sign up here to volunteer with HRC to help mobilize supporters of marriage equality in Washington or donate to HRC’s special fund to direct 100 percent of your contribution to Approve Referendum 74.

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