Tim Cook slams Indiana’s new ‘religious freedom’ law

By

As if Tim Cook doesn't already have enough on his plate!
"Apple is open for everyone," Cook tweeted today. Photo: Apple
Photo: Apple

Apple’s Tim Cook has been very public about his stance on gay rights.

Now he’s calling out the state of Indiana’s highly controversial “religious freedom” bill, which Governor Mike Pence signed into law yesterday.

“Apple is open for everyone,” tweeted Cook today, who marched in San Francisco’s Pride Parade last year with his employees. “We are deeply disappointed in Indiana’s new law and calling on Arkansas Gov. to veto the similar #HB1228.”

Indiana’s “religious freedom” law opens the door for businesses to potentially deny service if they disagree with a person’s sexual orientation based on religious beliefs. Governor Pence has said the bill is anti-discriminatory and that “if I thought it legalized discrimination I would have vetoed it.”

“The Constitution of the United States and the Indiana Constitution both provide strong recognition of the freedom of religion but today, many people of faith feel their religious liberty is under attack by government action,” the Republican Governor said in a statement.

The bill Cook called for Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson to veto would allow for the same kind of LGBT discrimination.

“Around the world, we strive to treat every customer the same — regardless of where they come from, how they worship or who they love,” Cook said on Twitter, echoing the corporate ethos Apple has been very public about throughout its history as a company.

Cook has spoken out in his home state of Alabama about gay and racial discrimination, and Apple publicly stood with the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down California’s ban on gay marriage in 2013. The company reached out to Arizona’s Governor last month urging her to veto a bill that would allow businesses to deny service to gays. The bill was vetoed before it became law.

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.