A survey by one of the nation’s prominent lesbian and gay political organizations found a growing trend among the country’s biggest privately-held businesses, prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation. According to Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equity Index, the number of companies receiving 100 percent ratings on same-sex-friendly policies increased from 11 in 2001 to 21 in 2002. Ninety-five percent of the 250 corporations surveyed specifically include sexual orientation in their non-discrimination policies, and nearly two-thirds have implemented diversity training.
“The positive movement in the index says that being fair to GLBT Americans, whether it involves employee benefits or respectful advertising campaigns, is the best way to do business, said Daryl Herrschaft, deputy directory of HRC’s WorkNet, in a press release. Five companies tied holding the lowest score of 14 percent are: Aramark Corp.; Domino’s Inc.; ExxonMobil Corp.; Meijer Inc.; and National Gypsum. Shareholders at Domino’s and ExxonMobil have repeatedly refused to incorporate sexual orientation in their non-discrimination policies, reported Reuters.