Exec tells McCrory IBM opposes NC 'religious freedom' bill

Raleigh, N.C. (AP) — Technology giant IBM's top North Carolina executive has told state lawmakers and Gov. Pat McCrory that the corporation strongly opposes proposed legislation supporters say protects religious convictions and opponents worry allows discrimination against gays and lesbians.

IBM, which employs thousands at its Research Triangle Park campus and more statewide, opposes the state Religious Freedom Restoration Act because it would enable discrimination based on sexual identity, executive Robert Greenberg said in a letter to McCrory posted on the company's website.

"IBM is opposed to discrimination against anyone on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation or religion. We urge you to work with the Legislature to ensure that any legislation in this area is not discriminatory," Greenberg wrote.

McCrory spokesman Josh Ellis did not respond to requests for comment. The governor last month expressed skepticism of the Legislature's "religious freedom" bill.

"What is the problem they're trying to solve?" he asked during a radio interview, adding "I haven't seen it at this point in time."

Supporters of the legislation say it would protect business owners or individuals against laws requiring them to act in ways counter to their religious beliefs. Opponents say the measure would amount to legalizing discrimination against gays and lesbians.

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed similar legislation into law last month, prompting businesses and other organizations to cancel plans to travel to the state or expand operations there. Wal-Mart executives spoke out against a religious freedom law in the retailer's home state of Arkansas.

IBM executives this week sent Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal a similar letter signaling their "strong" opposition to a religious objections bill, saying the company will find it much harder to attract talent to Louisiana.

IBM's Research Triangle Park complex is one of the company's largest sites worldwide, but the company will not discuss employment figures. IBM's decision to move there 50 years ago cemented the RTP as a national research hub.

NC Values Coalition executive director Tami Fitzgerald said the information technology giant is spreading misinformation about the proposed law's effect.

"The truth is that the religious freedom law will protect the freedoms of all North Carolinians to live and work according to their beliefs," said Fitzgerald, a chief proponent of a May 2012 constitutional referendum barring recognition of gay marriage. "At least IBM is now on the record opposing a law that simply gives freedom a fair hearing in court, so anyone who chooses to do business with them will know that they are supporting an anti-freedom company."

The company declined to respond to Fitzgerald's statement, IBM spokesman Adam Pratt said in an email.

Jim Whitehurst, CEO of Raleigh-based software company Red Hat, issued a statement earlier this month backing diversity and inclusion. "We cannot see any economic benefit from divisive legislation," he wrote.

Equality NC, an advocacy group for gay and lesbian rights, said IBM's decision to speak against the religious freedom legislation was in line with comments by Apple, American Airlines and others against similar legislation elsewhere.

"We hope that Gov. McCrory will continue to oppose RFRA measures and veto anything that comes across his desk along these lines," executive director Chris Sgro said in an email.

By Emery P. Dalesio, AP Business Writer. Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Gayly – April 18, 2015 @ 10:30am.