2007 ‘Best Places to Work for GLBT Equality’.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) civil rights organization, today released its annual list of the “Best Places to Work for GLBT Equality.”

A total of 142 companies that achieve this honor will use the 2007 “Best Places to Work for GLBT Equality” seal to distinguish their company as a fair-minded employer. The seal is given to companies who score a perfect 100% on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index which measures policies and practices implemented to promote fairness and equality in the workplace for GLBT employees.

“This is our version of the ‘Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval’ showing that these 142 companies have a philosophy of inclusion and are committed to fairness and equality for all Americans,” said Joe Solmonese, President of the Human Rights Campaign. “Whether the seal is placed on recruiting materials used to attract new employees or prominently displayed at the entrance of a company’s store, this seal will act as a welcome mat for equality.”

Last year was an historic year for the advancement of equality in the workplace.

– The number of corporations designated “Best Places to Work” went from 101 in 2005 to 142 this year. The number scoring a perfect 100% on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index has grown ten-fold in the last four years.
– For the first time ever, more than half of Fortune 500 companies now provide equal benefits for their GLBT employees’ partners.
– More than 80% of Fortune 500 companies now have policies in place that prevent workplace discrimination based upon sexual orientation and 24 percent include gender identity.

“We are pleased to be able to offer this seal to help companies tell this story: Their business philosophy is one that includes the hard-work of GLBT Americans,” said Daryl Herrschaft, Director of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Workplace Project. “We have reached a new point in corporate America where most companies appreciate the realities of life for GLBT people and have gone beyond simply enacting policies to visibly celebrating them as a business strategy to attract and retain top talent.”

Recently, many national publications have written about the movement of corporate America to become increasingly pro-equality. In the December 11th issue of FORTUNE Magazine, “Queer Inc. How Corporate America Fell in Love with Gays and Lesbians. It’s a Movement,” highlights how companies are not only implementing policies to protect their GLBT employees but also being very public about their support. As corporate America continues to become more inclusive by implementing domestic partner benefits and anti-discrimination policies, unfortunately federal and state laws continue to lag behind.

“Our government leaders should follow the example that has already been set in place throughout corporate America,” said Solmonese.

To view list CLICK on link: http://www.hrc.org/placestowork>