An unprecedented
195 high-profile U.S. businesses earned a perfect score
in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's sixth
annual Corporate Equality Index, which rates employers
on their treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and
transgender workers, clients, and investors. The number of
companies receiving a 100% rating increased by 41% over last
year, from 138 to 195, the organization announced
Monday.
"More
businesses than ever before have recognized the value of a
diverse and dedicated workforce," Joe
Solmonese, the foundation's president, said in
a prepared statement. "More importantly, these
employers understand that discrimination against GLBT
workers will ultimately hurt their ability to compete
in a global marketplace."
The 195 companies
that achieved a rating of 100 together employ more than
8.3 million workers. Companies achieving a perfect score for
the first time this year include Mastercard Inc., J.C.
Penney Co. Inc., Allstate Insurance Co., and Yahoo!
Inc.
When the index
was first compiled, in 2002, 13 employers received the top
rating.
Look for the
October 23 issue of The Advocate, arriving
at newsstands October 9,for more
in-depth coverage of the Corporate Equality Index.
(The Advocate)
