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Apple supports Gay Marriage, helps with $100K

October 26th, 2008 • Related • Filed Under

Apple is political now. In a very unusual move for the industry, Apple has declared itself publicly opposed to Proposition 8. Proposition 8, titled ‘Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry’, is an initiative measure to amend California’s constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry in California. Such marriages were legalized following a decision of the California Supreme Court, which noted that sanctions against them violated an equal protection clause of the state’s constitution. The measure would be voted on November 4th.

Apple has also donated $100,000 to a political action group - No on 8 - which has pledged to defeat the measure. The company claims to be one of the first businesses in California to offer full rights and benefits to its homosexual employees and sees Proposition 8 as a violation of civil rights.

Proponents of the measure 8 include John McCain and various religious groups. Opponents have included ten largest newspapers in California and various civil rights group.

The biggest and probably most defining question of this turn of event is likely to be if there is going to be a backlash against Apple’s product from Religious groups if the measure is defeated. I can almost hear some of the evangelical leaders complaining - “Apple is corrupting youths with iPod’s AND supporting gay marriage”.