As Taiwan voters head to the polls to vote on LGBTQ issues, major corporations have come out in favor of LGBTQ rights.

Stephen Peters of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Jennifer Lu of the Taiwan Tongzhi (LGBT) Hotline Association, and Steve Roth of the Out & Equal Workplace Advocates recently sent a press release to journalists discussing the November 24th Taiwanese referendums in which “marriage equality and inclusion of LGBTQ issues in school curricula are on the ballot.”

27 Taiwanese and multinational corporations working in Taiwan released a joint statement in which they placed their support behind LGBTQ equality. From the Press Release:

“In total, there are five ballot initiatives on November 24 that will impact LGBTQ people in Taiwan. Three initiatives would harm LGBTQ people, including two attempting to undermine a landmark Taiwanese Constitutional Court decision supporting marriage equality and another that would repeal a portion of the Gender Equity Education Act — which supports LGBTQ inclusion in Taiwan’s school curriculum. In contrast, two other initiatives would affirm marriage equality and the importance of the Gender Equity Education Act.”

HRC details the ongoing fight concerning the fight ballot measures, “Anti-LGBTQ groups in Taiwan mobilized to derail this progress. With the support of American ‘‘exporters of hate’, such as Brian Brown, anti-LGBTQ advocates succeeded in getting measures put on the November ballot to prevent marriage equality. They are also attempting to stop LGBTQ-inclusive education in schools which is currently provided for by law,” they begin. Later adding, “The National Organization for Marriage instigated the three anti-LGBTQ measures on the ballot in November. Brian Brown has been here, working to galvanize anti-equality groups. Their materials are often carbon copies of the same messaging and scare tactics debunked and defeated in the U.S., Ireland, Australia, and elsewhere. They’re trying to use fear to divide society, but their fear-mongering won’t work because Taiwanese society is rooted in mutual respect.”

Six LGBTQ organizations “led by the Taiwan Tongzhi (LGBT) Hotline Association, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), and Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, organized the effort to secure corporate signatories,” according to the press release. The companies represent a wide range of business verticals including professional services and technology. Representatives from the organizations provided statements on their work:

“We’re thankful these Taiwanese and multinational companies are speaking in one united voice in support of LGBTQ equality. These companies know that achieving marriage equality in Taiwan is not just the right thing to do, it’s also good for business. We believe that respecting diversity and inclusion can bring harmony and strength to society.” — Jennifer Lu, Taiwan Tongzhi (LGBT) Hotline Association

“These major businesses are speaking out in one united voice to make clear they stand with the Taiwanese LGBTQ community in their fight for equality. This is a pivotal moment for equality in the region, as Taiwan is set to become the first in Asia to recognize marriage equality. In order to keep the momentum moving forward, now more than ever, it’s important that fair-minded voices speak out and voice their support for LGBTQ equality.” — Ty Cobb, Director of HRC Global, Human Rights Campaign

We applaud these leading Taiwanese and multinational corporations for publicly standing with their LGBTQ employees and the entire community in Taiwan. “These companies know that creating an environment where their LGBTQ employees feel welcome and respected – both within their companies and in society more broadly – is not only the right thing to do, it’s also good for business and good for Taiwan.” — Erin Uritus, CEO, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates

The following is the statement, followed by the list of companies who signed the letter in support of LGBTQ equality in Taiwan:

“Diversity, inclusion, respect, equality and non-discrimination are values that we cherish and seek to uphold in our companies and in our business dealings. We do this not only because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes our companies and our society stronger and more successful.

Research has shown that a diverse workforce is more creative, productive, and competitive. Policies that support and promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace also help businesses in Taiwan attract and retain the top talent we need to remain competitive in the global economy.

As such, employees in same-sex relationships deserve the same right to marry in Taiwan as other couples. Furthermore, Taiwanese students deserve an education that prepares them to engage in a world where diversity and inclusion is prioritized.

For these reasons, we support marriage equality and diversity and inclusion efforts in Taiwan. We believe our businesses—and Taiwan’s society and economy—are strongest when we put aside our differences and find strength in our commonalities.”

 

Taiwanese companies

9floor

ALPHA Camp

Backer-Founder co.ltd

Bounty tavern

Canmeng International Inc.

CASETEK HOLDINGS LIMITED

FunNow

Hahow

justfont.Inc

KUNNEX Incorporated

Morningshop

Oriented Enterprise Co., LTD

Pegatron Corporation

Portico Media

Proteinshop

QLL PTE. LTD.

ystudio.co., LTD

 

Multinational companies in Taiwan

Airbnb

Deutsche Bank

The Dow Chemical Company

Ernst & Young (EY)

Google

HP

IBM Corporation

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Microsoft

Oracle

 

Non-governmental organizations

Taiwan Tongzhi (LGBT) Hotline Association

Human Rights Campaign

Out & Equal Workplace Advocates

Council for Global Equality

Freedom to Marry Global Action

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