Tech & Biz

ExxonMobil Shareholders Fuel Discrimination Against Gays

by Rhonda J Mangus | May 27, 2010 at 02:02 am

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ExxonMobil Shareholders Vote Down Gay-Inclusive Nondiscrimination Policy

At an annual shareholders meeting that took place in Dallas, Texas on Wednesday, ExxonMobil shareholders voted down a gay-inclusive nondiscrimination policy.

ExxonMobil looks to be moving further away from adding sexual orientation to the company's nondiscrimination policy. Just 22% of shareholders voted in favor of amending the nondiscrimination policy at this year's annual meeting. In 2009, 40% supported the addition, according to the Dallas Voice.

Mobil Merger With Exxon Ended Gay-Inclusive Nondiscrimination Policy

Previous to Mobil's merger with Exxon, the company had a nondiscrimination policy and domestic-partner benefits. It is now one of the few companies ranked by the Human Rights Campaign with a score of Zero.

HRC Equality Index 2010 Lists Worst Companies for LGBT Employees

Each year since 2000 — the companies merged in 1999 — shareholders have failed to reestablish the rescinded protections and benefits.

Dallas Peace Center Spokesperson Richard Miller Spoke In Favor Of Proposal

Inside the shareholders' meeting was Richard Miller of the Dallas Peace Center.

[Miller was] voting shares for a friend from Berkeley, Calif. He spoke in favor of the proposal and said a number of other shareholders, including a member of the Rockefeller family, spoke on behalf of environmental justice and sustainability issues. ExxonMobil is a direct descendant of the John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Co.

The Dallas Peace Center is the oldest and largest peace and justice organization in North Texas. It's mission is based on a vision of reconciliation: to promote research, education, dialogue, and action for peace and justice.

Check out other companies that scored the worst in the HRC survey of corporate LGBT policy here.