State proposals on LGBT rights push business into spotlight

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal, who last month vetoed a religious exemption law. Photo by David Goldman, AP.

ATLANTA (AP) — Major corporations invested in Southern states have become some of the staunchest opponents of bills they consider discriminatory.

The NFL, Apple and other behemoths have cajoled Republicans into rejecting or softening bills in recent years that supporters say protect people who oppose same-sex marriage on religious grounds.

Companies are speaking up loudly again this year in states where such bills have been proposed as part of a backlash to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage.

Watchers of corporate America's approach to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues said that approach is only one way companies have been supportive in recent years.

The pressure can run both ways. Conservative organizations have urged people to cancel their PayPal accounts because of the company's opposition to the North Carolina law.

By KATHLEEN FOODY.Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Gayly- 4/17/2016 @ 8:46 AM CDT

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