Tim Cook slams Alabama for slow evolution on LGBT rights

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Tim Cook has spoken out about the need for his home state of Alabama to better address LGBT rights in a speech delivered today at the Alabama Academy of Honor induction, in front of Governor Robert Bentley.

Cook discussed his admiration for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and noted how, “I could never understand why some within our state and nation resisted basic principles of human dignity that were so opposite to the values I had learned growing up in Robertsdale, Alabama in a family that was rich in love and respect.”

He went on to say that, “We were too slow on equality on African-Americans. We were too slow on interracial marriage. And we are still too slow on equality for the LBGT community.”

Alabama remains one of the 18 states without marriage equality.

This is far from the first time Tim Cook has led the charge to address LGBT rights. During today’s speech he commented how, “Dr. King once said our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter,” and that, “I have long promised myself to never be silent in my beliefs.”

Late last year, Cook penned an opinion piece for The Wall Street Journal urging Congress to approve a bill designed to “protect workers against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.”

In June this year, he also joined thousands of Apple employees and their families marched in the San Francisco Pride Parade, coming from all over the world to support LGBT rights and to celebrate Apple’s commitment to equality and diversity During the event he tweeted that, “inclusion inspires innovation.”

Tim Cook additionally discussed the importance of education in today’s speech at the Alabama Academy of Honor induction, calling it a “fundamental human right for everyone.”

Earlier this year, Apple pledged $100 million to President Obama’s ConnectED program, with the aim of bringing reliable, high-speed broadband to 99% of schools in the United States. Apple also published a new website today detailing exactly where this money will be going, with 114 schools in 29 states being benefitted.

As CEO of Apple, Cook has spoken about his desire for the company to be a “force for good” in the world.

Via: The Verge

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