Hewlett-Packard CEO Meg Whitman says that she is for same-sex marriage. This is notable, as Whitman ran as a Republican California governor candidate two years ago where she was an opponent of same-sex marriage.
“I have joined a prominent group of conservatives, moderate Republicans and social libertarians in signing an amicus brief on behalf of Paul Katami, Jeff Zarrillo, Kristin Perry and Sandra Steir in their case challenging Proposition 8, California’s ban on same-sex marriage,” posted Whitman. “I feel the time has come to bestow marriage equality to same-sex couples.”
This change brings her in line with leaders from other tech giants like Apple, Facebook, Intel, EA, Microsoft and Zynga. During the 2010 campaign campaign for California Governor, she fully supported California Proposition 8, which sought to define marriage as a union between a man and woman.
“I have come to embrace same-sex marriage after a period of careful review and reflection. As a candidate for governor three years ago, I supported Proposition 8. At the time, I believed the people of California had weighed in on this question and that overturning the will of the people was the wrong approach,” Whitman added. “The facts and arguments presented during the legal process since then have had a profound impact on my thinking.”
“During my business career, I have lived by a philosophy I refer to as ‘the power of many.’ I truly believe that what we can do together, none of us can do alone. By leading from this principle, I have been able to manage thriving organizations that have delivered great results. I believe the same holds true for society at-large. We are simply better when we are bonded together,” she posted. “Marriage is the fundamental institution that unites a society. It is the single greatest contributor to the well-being of adults and children because it promotes eternal principles like commitment, fidelity and stability. It makes no difference whether the marriage is between a man and woman or a woman and woman. Marriage makes society better.”
“Like several others who have either sought or held public office, including President Obama, I have changed my mind on this issue. Same-sex couples and their children should have equal access to the benefits of marriage. My decision to support civil marriage is solely my own. I hope that the Supreme Court will heed the arguments in the amicus brief. Establishing a constitutional right of marriage equality in California will strengthen our nation as a whole,” Whitman concluded.
Source: LinkedIn.com
