A batch of local big deal companies—Boeing, Microsoft, Nike, Puget Sound Energy, Real Networks, and Vulcan—have written a letter supporting R-71, the referendum to approve state legislation expanding domestic partnerships.

The statment is below the fold. And as one business insider told me: "Money will follow."

BUSINESSES TO APPROVE REFERENDUM 71 STATEMENT

We are a group of businesses who stand united together by the commonality

of our companies’ core values, which respect and support employees with

diverse backgrounds. We are committed to supporting our employees and

our customers and to ensuring the health of our communities. Accordingly,

we support the campaign to Approve Referendum 71.

Approving this referendum will preserve Senate Bill 5688, a measure passed

by the Legislature in 2009 to extend to state-registered domestic

partnerships the benefits, obligations and responsibilities that apply to

traditional marriages. The law does not sanction or encourage same-sex

marriage. It simply recognizes that, regardless of their sexual orientation,

people may enter into partnerships and create family units that deserve

respect and equal treatment.

Overturning this law would undo years of equal rights progress made in

Washington state. We do not believe that this step backward would be in the

best interest for the future of our state.

As businesses, we strive to create workplaces where all employees can

develop challenging careers with opportunities for growth, competitive

rewards and a balance between work and home life. In a fast-paced,

competitive environment, this is a shared responsibility between our

companies and our employees. For this reason, our companies have adopted

progressive policies that foster a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Our employees know that they will be treated fairly, without being subject to

prejudice or discrimination.

Unfortunately, not everyone enjoys these same basic protections in other

aspects of their lives. The Legislature took an important step in that direction

by passing SB 5688, and did so without placing any undue burden on the

business environment or imposing excessive taxpayer cost. We believe that

this action was consistent with our corporate principles in treating all

employees with fairness and respect.

We embrace everyone’s fundamental right to be judged on their merits and

contributions rather than factors such as their sexual orientation. Because

rejecting the law would stem progress toward that goal, we urge a vote to

approve Referendum 71.