A national uproar emerged when Indiana passed a new piece of legislation that would allow people the right to discriminate against their own neighbors.
On Friday, Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook tweeted his anger towards the bill, saying that on behalf of Apple, he is opposing against this “wave of legislation.” In an op-ed interview with the Washington Post, Cook announced that although he was raised as a Baptist with strong ties to his faith, there was no excuse for discrimination. He says:
America’s business community recognized a long time ago that discrimination, in all its forms, is bad for business. 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.
Cook, who last year came out as gay, believes that these discriminating state laws have the potential to undo decades of progress toward equality, and that it is going against the beliefs our nation was founded on.
Men and women have fought and died fighting to protect our country’s founding principles of freedom and equality. We owe it to them, to each other and to our future to continue to fight with our words and our actions to make sure we protect those ideals. The days of segregation and discrimination marked by “Whites Only” signs on shop doors, water fountains and restrooms must remain deep in our past. We must never return to any semblance of that time. America must be a land of opportunity for everyone.
The Apple CEO ends his lengthy statement by expressing to the public that Apple is “open to everyone” regards of what laws are passed in other states. Cook’s message ensures that no matter what, his tech company will not tolerate any type of injustice.
This isn’t a political issue. It isn’t a religious issue. This is about how we treat each other as human beings,” Cook proclaims. 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.
Watch Cook rely his message on this issue, below:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbOBVx0usko&w=560&h=315]H/T: Washington Post|Featured Image: Bloomberg
