Apple CEO Tim Cook expressed deep concern over what he describes as "a very dangerous wave of legislation" in more than two dozen states.
His thoughts were published as an op-ed article in The Washington Post's official site. Cook called this new wave of legislation pro-discrimination and urged everyone to oppose the act.
In the article, Cook said that he counted over 100 bills waiting to be considered by legislators in half of the U.S. These bills are said to mirror Indiana's newly signed law that became controversial: while the state says the new law promotes "religious freedom," many fear that in reality, it will allow discrimination against gays, lesbians and transgenders.
"A wave of legislation, introduced in more than two dozen states, would allow people to discriminate against their neighbors," said Cook.
Cook continued by saying that even though he was raised in Alabama as a Baptist, he never used his faith as an excuse to discriminate.
"As a child, I was baptized in a Baptist church, and faith has always been an important part of my life," added Cook. "I was never taught, nor do I believe, that religion should be used as an excuse to discriminate."
Cook is among a number of tech executives who are opposing the new wave of discriminatory bills, which have now become controversial issues on their own.
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff announced on Thursday that his company plans to cancel "all programs that require our customers/employees to travel to Indiana to face discrimination."
Apart from Salesforce, business reviews site Yelp announced that they are pulling back their investment plans in the state. Another business reviews site known as Angie's List said that the company has called off its planned expansion into Indiana worth $40 million, which will affect at least 1,000 jobs.
As the tech community begins to rise up against Indiana, Cook is now calling the attention of other states that are considering enacting similar laws.
"Opposing discrimination takes courage. With the lives and dignity of so many people at stake, it's time for all of us to be courageous," said Cook.
Photo: Mike Deerkoski | Flickr
