Starbucks Pushes for Washington Marriage Equality

Add Starbucks to the list of corporate giants who insist on marriage equality in Washington state.

Executives with the $10 billion company based in Seattle released a statement late Tuesday in support of a legislative effort to make Washington the seventh state plus the District of Columbia where marriage is legal for same-sex couples.

Starbucks joins other companies headquartered in the state such as Microsoft in backing the bill, which has reached critical mass of support in the house and senate. Gov. Chris Gregoire has said she will sign the bill into law.

Out of state companies including Google, Nike, and Alcoa have also pledged their support.

"This important legislation is aligned with Starbucks business practices and upholds our belief in the equal treatment of partners," wrote Kalen Holmes, Starbucks executive vice president of partner resources. "It is core to who we are and what we value as a company."

Read the full statement below.

To: U.S. partners
Date: January 24, 2012
Re: A Message from Kalen Holmes: Starbucks Supports Marriage Equality

Dear partners,

Starbucks is proud to join other leading Northwest employers in support of Washington State legislation recognizing marriage equality for same-sex couples. Starbucks strives to create a company culture that puts our partners first, and our company has a lengthy history of leading and supporting policies that promote equality and inclusion.

This important legislation is aligned with Starbucks business practices and upholds our belief in the equal treatment of partners. It is core to who we are and what we value as a company. We are proud of our Pride Alliance Partner Network group, which is one of the largest Employer Resource Groups for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) employees in the U.S., helping to raise awareness about issues in the communities where we live and work.

For the last 20 years, our benefits program has offered domestic partner benefits in the U.S. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs and alternative health care coverage. All partners (part-time and full-time) in all work locations, whether in a store, a roasting plant or a corporate office, adhere to the same eligibility requirements for health coverage and have access to the same comprehensive health plans.

We are deeply dedicated to embracing diversity and treating one another with respect and dignity, and remain committed to providing an inclusive, supportive and safe work environment for all of our partners.

We look forward to seeing this legislation enacted into law.

Regards,

Kalen Holmes
executive vice president, Partner Resources