Exxon Shareholders vote 2 include orientation in non-discrimination policy

[Ian David]

I think it's a nice gesture that ExxonMobil's shareholders think they should protect the rights of their gay and lesbian employees.

However, in the face of the rest of Exxon's politics, it is ultimately an empty gesture.

In the last election cycle, The ExxonMobil Corporation Political Action Committee donated $728,545 to political campaigns, with 95% going to Republicans.
EXXONMOBIL UPDATE
ExxonMobil shareholders voted in record numbers on May 25, 2005
to amend the company's non-discrimination policy to include
sexual orientation. In an increase from the 2004 vote, 29.4% of
shares voted for fairness - the highest vote of all resolutions
this year. HRC will continue to stand with fair-minded
shareholders to convince ExxonMobil to reinstate fair workplace
policies.

ExxonMobil - The Facts:



Take Action Now!
>> ExxonMobil is second only to Wal-Mart on the Fortune 50. But it is the only company in the Fortune 50 that doesn’t explicitly protect its employees from discrimination due to sexual orientation, as Mobil Corp did prior to its merger with Exxon Corp in 1999.
>> ExxonMobil is the only company to remove these protections and suspend enrollment in its domestic partner benefits program.
>> Each year since the merger, ExxonMobil shareholders have voted to add sexual orientation to the company’s non-discrimination policies. Last year, the vote reached a hefty 28.9% -- despite management’s staunch opposition.
>> This year’s vote takes place May 25, 2005.


To get involved with the 2006 shareholder's resolution
vote: http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/ct/y1a2vOE1Yzer/


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Appended below is the message that I sent to ExxonMobil:



In effect, you are financing the very people who are fighting against legislation that would ban discrimination in ALL workplaces.

Supporting the rights of your workers in the workplace while directly contributing to those who wish to take their rights away inside the workplace and out is naive at best and disingenuous at worst.

While I am glad that your shareholders are taking this step, please forgive me if I do not heap you with praise.

If you want to impress me, stop donating huge sums of money to the Republicans. Donate to progressive, liberal politicians and causes. Or take a more balanced approach to your contributions. Or best of all, remain apolitical and donate to nobody.

Workplace equality at ExxonMobil?

Yawn.

[cprise]

1. Still boycotting them for their role in international affairs.

...athough my boycott began many years ago over the LGBT issue.

I am buying either US-produced biodiesel or regular fuel from Citgo (Venezuela).

http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0516-25.htm

[Ian David]

2. Don't forget Hess is 98% Democrat, too n/t