Apple CEO Tim Cook has blasted
so-called “religious freedom” laws, saying “there's something
very dangerous happening in states across the country.”
In a Washington Post op-ed, Cook
joined a growing chorus of tech leaders who have criticized passage
of such a bill in Indiana. A similar bill in Arkansas is expected to
head to the desk of Governor Asa Hutchinson after lawmakers reconcile
language in versions approved by the House and Senate. Neither state
includes sexual orientation as a protected class in its civil rights
laws. Critics argue that without those protections in place, the
laws will allow businesses to discriminate against members of the
LGBT community based on religious beliefs.
“These bills rationalize injustice by
pretending to defend something many of us hold dear,” Cook, who is
openly gay, wrote.
“They go against the very principles our nation was founded on,
and they have the potential to undo decades of progress toward
greater equality.”
“At Apple, we are in business to
empower and enrich our customers' lives. We strive to do business in
a way that is just and fair. That's why, on behalf of Apple, I'm
standing up to oppose this new wave of legislation – wherever it
emerges. I'm writing in the hopes that many more will join this
movement. From North Carolina to Nevada, these bills under
consideration truly will hurt jobs, growth and the economic vibrancy
of parts of the country where a 21st-century economy was once
welcomed with open arms.”
“This isn't a political issue. It
isn't a religious issue. This is about how we treat each other as
human beings. Opposing discrimination takes courage. With the lives
and dignity of so many people at stake, it's time for all of us to be
courageous,” he added.
(Related: IN
Gov. Mike Pence won't say whether discrimination against gays should
be legal.)