The Evolution of Sexual Equality in the Workplace

In an article by Diane Cadrain, she states;

When the California Supreme Court sanctioned same-sex marriage last May, some proponents applauded the decision and gave an approving nod to employers. They said the decision simply affirmed the realities of the corporate world, where parity between same-sex and heterosexual couples has been the norm for years.

“The employment sector is way ahead of the courts,” says David Buckel, senior counsel with Lambda Legal, a New York-based national advocacy group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) civil rights. “They already know about attracting and retaining committed employees and making the best face to the public.

“Well over half of the Fortune 500 companies already offer domestic partner benefits. The Fortune 500 doesn’t do things for fun—it all relates to the bottom line. As courts start to fulfill the promise of equality, more employers will line up.”
Although it may be a challenge for some employers—and for HR professionals who may take the lead—to determine how to begin building GLBT inclusiveness in the workplace, experts recommend concrete steps that can be taken. In addition, support is emerging from developments such as the California decision and from the achievements of individual organizations.

Read the rest at shrm.org.