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Is It OK to Discriminate Because of Orientation? More of What You Said
Compiled by the DiversityInc staff
November 15, 2007
A question on whether it's OK to discriminate against a person because of orientation has our readers up in arms. Click here to tell us what you think. Read what others said.
(See also: Will Clinton and Obama Push to Get Gay-Rights Bill Through Senate?)
We also asked DiversityInc readers how things would be different if more people of color and women headed up Fortune 500 companies. Click here to read what they said. Click here to submit a comment.
(See also: Why Are So Few CEOs People of Color and Women?)
Here's what you said about discrimination because of orientation:
Discrimination is wrong, period. Whether it is people's orientation or color or creed or whatever ... [discrimination is] wrong. GLBTQ [gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or questioning people] pay taxes, have children, serve in the military (when allowed), have jobs and contribute to the American economy and culture as much as heterosexuals. Equality is only right for everyone.
—Bob McCrea
Mr. McKenzie's comment (below) opens up a whole new world of ideas for me. This gives me permission to discriminate against 90 percent of our population ... Heterosexuals! Glad saner minds generally prevail.
—Brenda Allen
Sexual orientation one way or another has no business in the workplace. If a person makes it obvious what their sexual orientation is, an employer should have every right to use that as a basis for elimination from consideration for a job.
—Ed McKenzie
Generally I would say no. However, there are circumstances where I think it would be dependent upon the organization to determine if the orientation of the person could interfere with the mission of the organization and thereby hurt business goals. For example, if it is a business that needs people to promote developing romantic relationships between men and women, I don't think the business would be keen on a lesbian or gay man as their first choice in that type of organization.
—Keith Brown
It ought to be illegal to fire an employee or to refuse to hire or promote someone simply based on sexual orientation. Talented, hard-working LGBT people should not lose their jobs or be denied jobs simply because of who they are. Most high-quality organizations (433 of the Fortune 500 companies) already have HR policies in place to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation. Let's get out and support [ENDA, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act] so that we ensure this protection is extended to all people everywhere.
—Ray Flautt
It is never OK to discriminate against an individual for non-job-related reasons.
—Joanne Snow
Keep in mind 50 years ago miscegenation was illegal and 60 years ago segregation was legal. When will primitive minds stop feeling the need to oppress others in order to feel safe? Look within to find solace, not without to harm what is none of your business!
—e e lewlak
Not just "no," but "hell no."
—Terry Roach
It is NOT OK for a person to discriminate based upon orientation. People are people. Let them be who they want to be. Why should we sit back and judge other people?
—Kyle Miller
It is very wrong to discriminate against someone because of their orientation. They're still human—and all humans have rights!
—Jori Greenberg
I don't think it is OK to discriminate against anyone because of how God made them. Our creator made some of us darker than others and sexual orientation different from the norm and we are all His creation. God knows what he is doing.
—Raymond Wood
You should treat that person the same way you would like to be treated no matter what their orientation. That is my opinion.
—Felicia Curtis
Work performance should be based SOLELY upon the quality of the work provided.
—Robert Magill
Discrimination in any form is not acceptable. Orientation should not matter in job performance; behavior and skills do.
—Susan Fahrney
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