The support of the capitalist class for gay rights

[Einzige]

Another example of this interesting phenomenon has just appeared:

Betty Crocker (vis a vis General Mills) is donating cakes to the first three gay couples to get married when gay marriage becomes legal in MN on Thursday. A giant cake will also be donated to the 60 couples who will be married overnight at City Hall in Minneapolis Thursday.

This is hardly the first time a major business has come out in support of LGBT rights. This past June a writ of certiorari before the Supreme Court favoring the overturn of DOMA was enjoined by over a hundred major American businesses, including Microsoft, Apple, and Busch.

This is one of the most interesting intersections of American politics. When social conservatives rail against the "liberal elite", this is, presumably, what they mean. But these are not academics ensconced in some imagined ivory tower, or unelected public officials. These are also capitalist elites, and it is the free market itself which provides their rationale to argue in favor of social equality (the need to reduce the complications involved in providing employee benefits, for instance, as well as unfettered access to new markets).

 

[Juiposa]

Another example of this interesting phenomenon has just appeared:



This is hardly the first time a major business has come out in support of LGBT rights. This past June a writ of certiorari before the Supreme Court favoring the overturn of DOMA was enjoined by over a hundred major American businesses, including Microsoft, Apple, and Busch.

This is one of the most interesting intersections of American politics. When social conservatives rail against the "liberal elite", this is, presumably, what they mean. But these are not academics ensconced in some imagined ivory tower, or unelected public officials. These are also capitalist elites, and it is the free market itself which provides their rationale to argue in favor of social equality (the need to reduce the complications involved in providing employee benefits, for instance, as well as unfettered access to new markets).

Many of these businesses will be doing this sort of thing to drive business. It makes them look open minded and likable, therefore more attractive to customers. It is as much a business strategy as it is progressing society.

But I agree nonetheless, having more big businesses endorsing LGBT rights like this can only ever be good. Some social conservatives should really just put their money where their mouth is.