Seattle-based Internet retailer Amazon.com said Wednesday it has joined other
large Northwest companies to support legislation that would legalize gay
marriage in Washington state.
Amazon's support comes as the state Senate prepares to vote on the
measure, likely late afternoon or early evening Wednesday.
It also comes nearly two weeks after six prominent companies -- Concur,
Group Health Cooperative, Microsoft, Nike, RealNetworks, and Vulcan --
publicly declared their support for gay-marriage legislation. Last week,
Starbucks added its name to the list.
"Amazon is joining other Pacific Northwest companies, including
Microsoft, Starbucks and Nike, in support of Washington state's marriage
equality bills," Amazon said in a statement released by spokeswoman Mary
Osako. "The spirit of these bills is consistent with our longstanding
employment practices."
Gay marriage supporters believe they have enough votes to pass the
measure out of both houses, and Gov. Chris Gregoire has said she'll sign it
into law.
Information from The Associated Press and Seattle Times archives was used
in this story.
