March 11, 2022
(Reuters) – Apple Inc.’s chief executive Tim Cook on Thursday expressed concern over LGBTQ laws in the United States, mostly aimed at young people, which opponents call “don’t talk about gay” legislation.
Florida lawmakers recently passed a Republican-backed bill banning the discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in the classroom for many young students.
The legislation has sparked national controversy amid growing party debates that schools should teach children about race and gender.
“As a proud member of the LGBTQ + community, I am deeply concerned about laws being passed across the country, especially those targeting our vulnerable youth,” Cook said on Twitter.
Bob Chapek of Walt Disney Co is another CEO who has expressed his frustration with LGBTQ legislation.
Another case that has raised corporate concerns about LGBTQ rights is the case of a Texas judge who recently issued an order blocking the state from investigating the parents of a 16-year-old transgender girl for giving her gender-based treatment.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says the treatment is “child abuse,” and the state has appealed the judge’s decision.
Major US technology firms, including Google, Microsoft Corp, Meta Platforms Inc and Apple from Alphabet Inc and Apple, are among more than 60 companies that oppose equating gender-based treatment with child abuse by posting their names in an ad that will be shown in Texas on Friday, according to Axios.
Google, Microsoft, Apple and Meta did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
(Report by Maria Ponejat from Bangalore; edited by Robert Bircell)
