Starbuck Supports Gay Marriage

So I read today that Starbucks is supporting gay marriage legislation according to The Seattle Times.  This is just one new addition to a growing list of companies and corporations that are jumping on this legislation band-wagon.  To list of few of these Northwest employers doing this, there is: Microsoft, Concur, Group Health Cooperative, Nike, RealNetworks and Vulcan Inc.  The are all in support of Washington State legislation recognizing marriage equality for same-sex couples. This is not surprising but noteworthy. The article went on to state that this position builds on our history of supporting corporate and public policies that promote inclusion and equality.

Inclusion and equality?  Why do the majority have to bend to this very small minority?  Why do my health costs have to go up to support a lifestyle that I am not in support of?  Why, as a business owner, am I being forced by legislation about the rules regarding MY private company.  People don't have to come work for me.  It's a free country yet now, legislation is being drafted that will make ME include them.  This is freedom?

These companies can choose what they desire to do, just as I can choose to shop where I want.  I certainly don't advocate harm to people who have different opinions from me, but I believe that marriage is a holy covenant between a man and women and I still believe that MOST people feel the way I do.  Even among the gay and lesbian community you find openly gay people who say that this lifestyle is a choice yet I am being forced to hire people who "choose" a lifestyle that I disapprove of.  What's fair about this?

Actress Cynthia Nixon (of Sex in the City) published an article in Sunday's New York Times magazine where she said, "[F]or me, it is a choice. I understand that for many people it’s not, but for me, it’s a choice, and you don’t get to define my gayness for me," Nixon went on to say. "… Why can’t it be a choice? Why is that any less legitimate?"

She is CHOOSING her lifestyle, which I believe we all do.  EVERYTHING that is an action is a choice.  Did you hear that?  Actions are choices.  People want to lump the homosexual lifestyle into this category with the civil rights movement but skin color is not an action.  It is a fact of life.  Actions are choices tho.  All actions get down to choices.  Some people even choose to NOT act on anything regarding their sexuality and CHOOSE a life of celibacy.  When it comes to sex, an action, it is ALL about choice.  Interesting how this same group advocates a woman's right to choice but when it comes to their own business, they want to say it is now a matter of birth, like skin color.

Nixon eded a 15-year relationship with the father of two of her children in 2003 and is now engaged to her long-time partner Christine Marinoni - a choice.  They have a son together nearly a year ago - again a choice.

Our society is spinning out-of-control.  People are doing what is right in their own eyes and this is dangerous.  God knew this is what people would do though and he said so in Proverbs 21:2 "Every man's way is right in his own eyes, BUT the Lord Weighs the hearts."

People, you have the RIGHT to choose, we all do but God will deal with those choices one day.  We ALL will answer for what we did while our spirit lived in the body.  II Corinthians 5: 9-10 says, "Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."

 Judges 21:25 also states "...everyone did what was right in his own eyes."  When a society becomes ME oriented and "I have a right to" then they are going away from the good that selflessness brings.  Rome fell from within as people did what was right in their own eyes!

People will do what they want, this is true.  There is no way to legislate right and wrong yet, as a society we try, as we have laws against things like pedophilia, driving under the influence, stealing, you name it.  But just because there is a law that doesn't change the heart of man.  No laws don't seem to change people, money does.  It drives these businesses...the LOVE of money.  So,  I for one will be having less coffee and Nike will be passed by in our home as they "just do it".  I may be the only one in my silent "no buy zone" but I can't in good conscience promote a company that is taking such a bold stand on a social issue.



Starbucks' statement below:

To: U.S. partners
Date: January 24, 2012
Re: A Message from Kalen Holmes: Starbucks Supports Marriage Equality 

Dear partners, 

Starbucks is proud to join other leading Northwest employers in support of Washington State legislation recognizing marriage equality for same-sex couples. Starbucks strives to create a company culture that puts our partners first, and our company has a lengthy history of leading and supporting policies that promote equality and inclusion. 

This important legislation is aligned with Starbucks business practices and upholds our belief in the equal treatment of partners. It is core to who we are and what we value as a company. We are proud of our Pride Alliance Partner Network group, which is one of the largest Employer Resource Groups for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) employees in the U.S., helping to raise awareness about issues in the communities where we live and work. 

For the last 20 years, our benefits program has offered domestic partner benefits in the U.S. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs and alternative health care coverage. All partners (part-time and full-time) in all work locations, whether in a store, a roasting plant or a corporate office, adhere to the same eligibility requirements for health coverage and have access to the same comprehensive health plans. 

We are deeply dedicated to embracing diversity and treating one another with respect and dignity, and remain committed to providing an inclusive, supportive and safe work environment for all of our partners.
We look forward to seeing this legislation enacted into law.

Regards, 

Kalen Holmes
executive vice president, Partner Resources