FLORIDA: Big Corporations Form Coalition To Support LGBT Rights Bill

Major Florida corporations have united in support of a proposed bill that would add sexual orientation and gender identity to the state’s anti-discrimination laws. Via the Tampa Tribune:

The new coalition includes Disney World, railway giant CSX, health insurer Florida Blue, Wells Fargo, Florida Fortune 500 companies Tech Data and Darden Restaurants. The companies said they’ll have an easier time recruiting employees if Florida is known as a state that doesn’t allow discrimination. “Recruiting and retaining talent is critical to our long-term business success,” said a statement from the coalition. “Florida employers must attract qualified and diverse applicants who reflect the diverse population of the state.” The coalition said there is a “link between strong anti-discrimination laws and the ability to draw the best and the brightest,” and that most of the nation’s largest companies have adopted anti-discrimination policies that include sexual orientation and gender identity.

The group calls themselves the Florida Business Coalition for a Competitive Workforce. Similar LGBT rights bills have long languished in the state legislature.