Proposal 8 essentially defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. That has some significant socioeconomic implications for a whole segment of people who identify themselves as gay. Apple and Google both oppose the measure, and have backed that up with cash donations.

Google’s founders were the first in this group to demonstrate their dislike of Proposal 8 with a $140,000 donation to the “No on 8” campaign, according to Mercury News. Apple has now also joined in with another $100,000.

Apple is publicly opposing Proposition 8 and making a donation of $100,000 to the No on 8 campaign. Apple was among the first California companies to offer equal rights and benefits to our employees’ same-sex partners, and we strongly believe that a person’s fundamental rights — including the right to marry — should not be affected by their sexual orientation. Apple views this as a civil rights issue, rather than just a political issue, and is therefore speaking out publicly against Proposition 8, according to a statement on the company’s web site.

Is it a coincidence that two of the world’s currently most valuable brands are supporting gay rights? It’s a strong statement, and one that alludes to a recognition of the contribution gay people have made to their success.

Supporters of Proposal 8 claim that unless marriage is clearly defined as the union between a man and woman then kids will learn about same sex marriages in school. Check out the video below:

Those who oppose Proposal 8 claims that point of view is “using kids to lie” about what is and isn’t required teaching material is wrong.

Proposal 8 is creating a fair amount of tension in the tech industry, and the stakes are high for companies Apple and Google who have a not-inconsequential segment of gay employees contributing to their stardom.

Related:

Entry was posted on Friday, October 24th, 2008 at 8:33 pm under Apple, Google, Legal.

Read more entries by Matt Jansen.
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