Thomson Reuters, the global media conglomerate which has almost 8000 employees based in Minnesota, is the latest company to announce that it’s opposing the state’s proposed constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. They’re adding their voice to a growing chorus of companies who say that banning same-sex marriage would be bad for business in Minnesota, including MN-based General Mills.
In an e-mail to its MN-based employees, the highest two ranking executives headquartered in Minnesota (Mike Suchsland, President of Thomson Reuters Legal, and Rick King, COO, Technology) wrote that the amendment would hurt the company’s ability to attract employees.
“Today’s historic announcement by Thomson Reuters shows that, more and more, companies in Minnesota are standing up and saying that this hurtful amendment is not in the best interests of businesses, families or the state of Minnesota,” said Richard Carlbom, executive director of Minnesotans United for All Families.
Here’s the full text of the e-mail sent by Thomson Reuters officials:
From Mike Suchsland and Rick King: Responding to questions on the Minnesota Marriage Amendment
Dear Colleagues,We’re writing today to respond to questions we have received from employees about an important issue that we are facing in Minnesota.
Some of you have asked if Thomson Reuters has a point of view on the Minnesota Marriage Amendment, which voters will decide on this November. As you probably know, the question Minnesotans will vote on is whether our state constitution should be amended to limit marriage
to one man and one woman.As we’ve heard from employees, recruiters and customers, one thing has been very clear: we’re a better place when we have a rich variety of perspectives, talents, backgrounds, lifestyles and experiences in our workplace, and within the broader community from which we recruit. We
believe that building a culture that thrives on diversity and inclusion and provides equal opportunities to everyone is a critical factor in our ability to serve our customers and be successful.We believe the Minnesota Marriage Amendment, if passed, would limit our ability to recruit and retain top talent. For this reason, we do not believe that the Amendment would be good for Thomson Reuters or the business community in the state. It’s important to note that as a news organization, Thomson Reuters is dedicated to upholding our Trust Principles and does not advocate political or religious positions. Rather, our perspective on the Amendment is a business position.
Our view on the Amendment is also in keeping with our company’s long-standing history of supporting diversity initiatives and promoting social justice in our local and global communities. Thomson
Reuters does these things because they support our core values and, in the end, we believe they are good for business.We know that there are varying points of view on the Amendment and we encourage each of you to express your individual opinion at the polls. Thomson Reuters is a business that values open dialogue, and we know that this communication may generate some discussion. It’s an issue that is full of emotion for many, so please remember to honor our tradition of treating all people fairly and with respect – whether your conversations are in person or online. We know you will.
All the best,
Minnesotans United for All Families
