July 29, 2008

Why We’ll Be Delighted to Pay Our Electric Bill This Month: PG&E Joins the Fight Against Prop 8 with $250K

I don’t think Equality California will mind too much if we reprint this announcement in full:

PG&E Announces $250,000 Contribution to Fight Prop. 8

NO on 8–Equality California received a significant contribution of $250,000 from Pacific Gas and Electric Company to help secure the freedom to marry for all Californians. PG&E is partnering with EQCA and the NO on 8 campaign to defeat Proposition 8, the November statewide ballot initiative that aims to treat same-gender couples differently by excluding them from marriage. PG&E’s contribution is the largest corporate and only utility-made donation received by the NO on 8 campaign.

“We are thrilled to partner with PG&E to ensure that the laws of our state are not used to treat people unfairly,” said EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors, a member of the NO on 8 Executive Committee. “Across California, individuals and businesses like PG&E are pledging to vote no on Proposition 8 because they know it’s wrong to single out one group of people to be treated differently.”

In addition to the $250,000 shareholder contribution, PG&E today announced it will become a founding member of the Equality Business Advisory Council, an organization that will challenge other businesses to join NO on 8 in supporting fairness and equality for all people.

“We are proud to join NO on 8 and Equality California to protect the freedom to marry for all Californians,” said PG&E Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Nancy McFadden. “For years, PG&E has advocated for equality and fairness in the workplace, and across California. In that same spirit, PG&E is honored to be a founding member of the Equality Business Advisory Council and urge our business colleagues to join us as we work to guarantee the same rights and freedoms for every Californian.”

A recent Field Poll of likely voters showed that a majority of Californians oppose Proposition 8 and would vote against it in November.

“It’s clear that Proposition 8 is wrong for California,” said NO on 8 Senior Strategist Steve Smith. “We are happy PG&E and other business leaders are joining the millions of Californians who recognize that our constitution guarantees the same freedoms and rights to everyone. Regardless of how anyone feels about marriage for same-gender couples, it’s wrong to deny a person’s fundamental rights and freedoms.”

BRAVO! applause

Heh… Here’s a thought: I wonder if the anti-gay crusaders will launch a boycott on PG&E over this? Let ‘em try — they’d then be forced to generate their own energy for their homes and offices, thereby taking some of the load off the already-overstretched power grid, and helping the environment. ROFL