Tim Cook puts foot down against discriminatory religious, same-sex legislation

Tim Cook isn’t very happy with some bills being introduced in Indiana, Arkansas and a bunch of others states in the US. In a op-ed on The Washington Post, the Apple CEO points out that newly introduced legislation in two dozen states would allow people to discriminate against others based on their religious and sexual orientation.

Cook stated that Apple will remain open to everyone, regardless of the new laws in Indiana and Arkansas:

Our message, to people around the country and around the world, is this: Apple is open. Open to everyone, regardless of where they come from, what they look like, how they worship or who they love. Regardless of what the law might allow in Indiana or Arkansas, we will never tolerate discrimination.

The influence of big business execs can be an interesting one when they take on activist roles. Business review site Angie’s List recently announced that it had suspended its US$40-million plans to expand its Indianapolis headquarters following the passage of the state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Read more: Tim Cook confirms he’s gay and proud of it

Backed by the power of a US$700-billion valued multinational, Cook pointed out that these new laws will be “bad for business”:

America’s business community recognised a long time ago that discrimination, in all its forms, is bad for business. At Apple, we are in business to empower and enrich our customers’ lives. We strive to do business in a way that is just and fair. That’s why, on behalf of Apple, I’m standing up to oppose this new wave of legislation — wherever it emerges. I’m writing in the hopes that many more will join this movement.

Cook came out as gay last year. In an interview with Bloomberg he stated that while the US has come some way in terms of gay rights, there are still “laws on the books in a majority of states that allow employers to fire people based solely on their sexual orientation.”

Back then, he noted that he didn’t consider himself an activist, but we all know what a couple of tweets can do these days.

Apple is open for everyone. We are deeply disappointed in Indiana's new law and calling on Arkansas Gov. to veto the similar #HB1228.

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 27, 2015

“There’s something very dangerous happening in states across the country. A wave of legislation, introduced in more than two dozen states, would allow people to discriminate against their neighbours,” he wrote in The Washington Post.