When social controversy strikes, good business sense says companies should sit in nonpartisan silence. Customers could fall on either side of a debate.
But this week, just as Indiana passed a "Religious Freedom" law and Arkansas considering passing a similar law, a tidal wave of strong denouncements from Fortune 500 CEOs — from Apple's Tim Cook to Wal-Mart's Doug McMillon — was almost immediate. In their view, the laws would let businesses refuse service to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender customers. Marriott's CEO Arne Sorenson went as far as to call Indiana's move "an idiocy."
Money Talking host Charlie Herman asks why corporations would suddenly feel the need to speak out, and guests Cardiff Garcia of the Financial Times and Heather Landy of Quartz suggest the outpouring of CEO opinion could mean the role of American business in social politics is shifting.
Our statement on Arkansas #HB1228 pic.twitter.com/KFPd91ejdo
"Our internal policies have and will continue to stand up against #discrimination" http://t.co/vfXmIGzZKy #s4egala pic.twitter.com/IW25DYXwws
There’s something very dangerous happening in states across the country. http://t.co/QJTkCuZVdo
Today we are canceling all programs that require our customers/employees to travel to Indiana to face discrimination. http://t.co/SvTwyCHxvE
Angie's List will withdraw campus expansion proposal due to passage of #RFRA http://t.co/N4s7mFhhl6
An Open Letter to States Considering Imposing Discrimination Laws http://t.co/2iNMMP0aIt
Statement from #FinalFour coaches regarding the Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act ... #RFRA pic.twitter.com/zOiX8oh99Q
Unacceptable. "Defying Criticism, Arkansas Legislature Passes Bill on Religious Freedom", via @nytimes http://t.co/wLn98jt42E
Joint Statement from NBA, @WNBA, @Pacers and @IndianaFever pic.twitter.com/vqABvR6ua6
Today we support the @HRC’s statement against laws undermining #Equality. We seek a society of tolerance, peace & prosperity for all. #RFRA
