Apple CEO Tim Cook took to Twitter on Friday to condemn Indiana’s controversial “religious freedom” law, which Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed into law on Thursday.
The legislation, approved by Pence on Thursday, would allow businesses to turn away gay and lesbian customers by citing “religious freedom.” The bill, and its passage, has brought Indiana national attention, resulting in negative reactions from a number of groups and companies through out the U.S. who have vowed to stop visiting or doing business in the state.
Apple is open for everyone. We are deeply disappointed in Indiana's new law and calling on Arkansas Gov. to veto the similar #HB1228.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 27, 2015
Around the world, we strive to treat every customer the same — regardless of where they come from, how they worship or who they love.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 27, 2015
Cook, who came out as gay last year, has a long history of supporting equal rights for all, lashing out a number of times against discrimination. Cook also on Friday called on Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson to veto a similar bill, H.B.1228, which was recently passed by the Arkansas legislature.
Criticism has also come from other quarters, as the NCAA has spoken about the possible impact of the law on future sporting events in the state, CRM firm Salesforce has said they will halt expansion plans they had planned in the state, and San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee has spoken out against the new law, barring all non-essential publicly funded travel to the state.
(Via MacRumors)
