Macy’s, Target, Amazon among retailers showing support for marriage equality

A number of major retailers are among the companies calling on the Senate to pass The Respect for Marriage Act.

 More than 170 major businesses  have signed a letter that calls on the Senate to pass The Respect for Marriage Act.  The legislation would nationally codify federal marriage equality and repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), according to The Human Rights Campaign. The letter makes a business case for passing the bill, noting that it would help to eliminate "confusion for employers and enable us to retain and attract talent.”  

 The retailers that signed the letter represent  a wide  spectrum of the industry. They include Amazon, Macy’s, Best Buy, Nike, Target, Tiffany & Co., CVS Health, Nordstrom, Starbucks, Walgreens, REI,  Abercrombie & Fitch Co. and more.

Macy’s CEO Jeff Gennette wrote on LinkedIn that Macy’s was “committed to creating a brighter future with bold representation for all” as part of its “Mission Every One” social purpose platform.

 “When marriage equality is called into question, our equal rights as U.S. citizens are in jeopardy,” he continued. “On a personal level, my family and I stand with the Human Rights Campaign and strongly urge the Senate to pass the Respect for Marriage Act. Only when every one of us is equal in the eyes of the law can we progress as a society.”

  The open letter states that the company signatories value diversity and inclusion in the in the workplace. An excerpt reads:  

“No person, including same-sex couples and interracial couples protected by this bill, should fear their marriange will not be recognized by the federal government or their employment benefits threatened.”

Another excerpt from the letter reads:

 “Inclusive business practices improve out bottom lines and lead to more productive and engaged employees, increased customer satisfaction, and, ultimately, competitiveness and financial performance.”

The Human Rights Campaign noted that, according to Gallup, 71%   of Americans support marriage for same-sex couples. 55% of Republicans support same-sex marriage, along with 83% of Democrats and 73% of Independents.