Silicon Valley's focus on profits and innovation took a back seat to politics this week, as several high-profile technology executives publicly rebuked Indiana's new law, which allows businesses to refuse service to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender customers.
On Friday, one day after the bill was signed into law, Apple CEO Tim Cook publicly criticized the state's actions via Twitter. The iPhone maker is the world's richest company.
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Apple is open for everyone. We are deeply disappointed in Indiana's new law and calling on Arkansas Gov. to veto the similar #HB1228.— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 27, 2015
Around the world, we strive to treat every customer the same — regardless of where they come from, how they worship or who they love.— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 27, 2015
Earlier in the week, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff took a similar stance on the matter, tweeting, "Today we are canceling all programs that require our customers/employees to travel to Indiana to face discrimination."
Bill Oesterle, cofounder and CEO of Indiana-based Angie's List, responded by tweeting his support to Benioff on Twitter:
@Benioff As one of your largest Indiana based customers, Angie's List supports you. Thank you for taking an interest.— Bill Oesterle (@billo317) March 27, 2015
Adding to the conversation, Yelp CEO Jeremy Stoppelman wrote an open letter on the topic of discrimination.
"While Indiana is the most recent state to enact a law allowing for this kind of discrimination by businesses, unfortunately measures are being debated in other states across the country that would follow Indiana’s example," Stoppelman wrote. "I encourage states that are considering passing laws like the one rejected by Arizona or adopted by Indiana to reconsider and abandon these discriminatory actions."
PayPal cofounder Max Levchin also weighed in on the issue via Twitter:
What is happening in Indiana is pretty unbelievable. However it’s dressed up, it’s a signal that discrimination is welcome in this state.— Max Levchin (@mlevchin) March 26, 2015
Most of the tech names coming forward represent companies with a wide, national reach; so if consumers pay heed to their high-profile admonitions, the result would be a dent in Indiana's overall business profile.
In addition, the #boycottindiana hashtag has gained momentum over the last few days, inspiring celebrities to also speak out, including former Indiana Pacer Reggie Miller, actors Ashton Kutcher and James Van Der Beek, and singer Miley Cyrus, among others.
The Religious Freedom Restoration Act was signed into law on Thursday by Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, who, during a press conference, referred to negative reactions to the law as "a misunderstanding."
"If I thought it was about discrimination, I would have vetoed it," Pence said. "This is not about legalizing discrimination; it's about restricting the government's ability to intrude on the religious liberty of our citizens."