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July 31, 2008

PG&E Drops $250K to Keep Gay Marriage Legal In California

PG&E Drops $250K to Keep Gay Marriage Legal In California

Pacific Gas and Electric Company announced Tuesday that it would donate $250,000 to the No on Proposition 8 campaign, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Company officials also indicated they would attempt to garner support from other companies to defeat the antigay measure by assembling a business advisory council on the matter. Proposition 8 would amend the state's constitution to prohibit marriage between same-sex couples.

"We are thrilled to partner with PG&E," Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California, said in a statement. AT&T and Wells Fargo have donated money directly to Equality California, which is working to defeat Prop. 8.

Proponents of the measure have also made major donations. LGBT advocates called for a boycott of Hyatt hotels in San Diego after owner Doug Manchester poured thousands of dollars into the effort to pass the marriage ban.

Allan Hoffenblum, a GOP strategist, told the Times that PG&E would likely be unfettered by any organized boycott since it monopolizes most of the California market.

"I can't in outrage call PG&E and say, 'Cut off my gas,'" he said. (The Advocate)

Keywords:  California marriage 
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Reader Comments

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  • Name: kat
    Date posted: 2008-09-10 12:48 AM
    Hometown: marysvillie

    Comment:

    the god of heavcen is giveing us sighns of his retrun and the increase of imorality is all over the globe we can only warn peole that the lord is telling us of his return and they need to repent because he will destrory us we are liveing in the days of sodam and gormarha and he burned them up this time he will destory the earth so you better repent now before it's to late we to love each other no have sex that is abonation to him he is very ashamed of us for liveing our own desires it 's corupting humans every where just look at the world it coming to an end wake up before he destorys you look at all the earthquakes that are hitting the worst corputed cities and state's open your eyes you need help to over come the lust inside your soul's form the damage that other's have done to you


  • Name: Scott
    Date posted: 2008-08-16 9:54 AM
    Hometown: fresno

    Comment:

    Too bad I work for this company. I will definitely post my complaint that they would get involved in politics like this. After I retire they can fold! :-D


  • Name: Lynn Gallaway
    Date posted: 2008-08-05 3:45 PM
    Hometown: Vacaville

    Comment:

    No matter who pumps money into defeating Prop 8, it won't matter to me because nobody will buy my vote. I'm voting for Prop 8.


  • Name: Gary Evesnon
    Date posted: 2008-07-30 7:40 PM
    Hometown: Rancho Mirage Ca.

    Comment:

    We need PG & E in Southern Calfornia instead of Edison. Good for them. I am glad to have pad them for years in No CA.


  • Name: Michael
    Date posted: 2008-07-30 7:05 PM
    Hometown: San Jose

    Comment:

    Now I don't mind paying my energy bill so much! I'm not much for crowds, so I didn't know PG & E was so supportive both at the parade and, more importantly, in it's company policies. Shame on me! So, my energy supplier, phone company and my bank really do want me not just as a customer but as a full citizen of this state and nation. Cool. Things are looking up!


  • Name: Former Californian
    Date posted: 2008-07-30 3:49 PM
    Hometown: Former Californian

    Comment:

    I'm glad that I paid my PG&E bill all the years that I was in California. I think much more of the company now.


  • Name: Rev. David Milligan
    Date posted: 2008-07-30 2:32 PM
    Hometown: Irvine, California

    Comment:

    To Steve D, There are rare times that corporations understand their responsibility to social justice. What ultimately creates great societies creates great business. Rather than questions their motives we need to applaud their vision. David


  • Name: Chris
    Date posted: 2008-07-30 2:14 PM
    Hometown: Chicago, IL

    Comment:

    Supporting the rites of their employees and families, inside and outside of the working place, is simply good for business overall.


  • Name: Joe
    Date posted: 2008-07-30 1:24 PM
    Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

    Comment:

    How great is it that a big company that has a monopoly is throwing support in our corner? The right-wing idiots cannot even boycott them because then they are left with no other option, which makes it even better. We need more companies like PG&E in this country that stand up for what is right regardless of what some people may say. The more companies do it, the more equal rights will not be able to be compromised as they are now.


  • Name: Roger Burr
    Date posted: 2008-07-30 12:36 PM
    Hometown: Marble Hill, MO

    Comment:

    To Steve D, from Madison and any others who might wonder why PG&E is involved in this fight. Let me state that PG&E is like many organizations in California. It is not only LGBT 'friendly', but has social groups among its employees, to include those of its LGBT associates. PG&E employees, among other things, march as a group in the San Franciusco Gay Pride parade each June; clearly identified by the company's banners and logo. The same can be said for other companies whose employee policies are gay-friendly. PG&E realizes, as do many such companies, that pro-gay policies, in employment, advertising, etc., are just good business. I take my hat of to them. Thank you for allowing me to clarify this for you.


  • Name: Herman V.
    Date posted: 2008-07-30 12:17 PM
    Hometown: Hollywood CA

    Comment:

    All I can say is that I'm happy to see support not only for the gay community but also for what is fair.We really need the support of the straight people to win this battle...but also for to keep fighting for what is right in America.Human Rights should be for everyone!.


  • Name: Roger Burr
    Date posted: 2008-07-30 11:18 AM
    Hometown: Marble Hill, MO

    Comment:

    Thank you, PG&E!!! As my former gas supplier, I am happy to note your participation in the effort to stop legalized bigotry. We need more such organizations to step up to the plate and do what's right. I look forward to going back to California. In the interim; keep up the good work!


  • Name: Steve D.
    Date posted: 2008-07-30 10:38 AM
    Hometown: Madison, WI

    Comment:

    I understand the moral argument for defeating Proposition 8, of course. But I'm wondering what the business argument is for donating so much to the campaign. Did they give one?


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