Editor's note: The below article contain portions of a press release.
More than 18,000 people have joined a popular campaign on Change.org calling on Best Buy to speak out against a 2012 ballot measure that would amend the Minnesota constitution to ban same-sex marriage, according to a statement from change.org.
Andrew Korando, a recent University of Minnesota Law School graduate, started the campaign on Change.org following Target Corporation’s recent statement in opposition to the Minnesota marriage amendment.
"Opposing this amendment is not simply the right thing to do, but as a local institution, it is also in Best Buy’s best interest if it wants to recruit and retain the industry’s top talent," said Andrew Korando, who launched the campaign on Change.org.
Last month, anti-gay groups attacked Target's new "Wear it with Pride" T-shirt campaign that will donate the proceeds of all sales to groups opposing the marriage amendment. In response, Target Corp. issued a statement, in part saying: "Target does not believe that a constitutional fight over the issue is good for Minnesota or the state’s ability to attract jobs and grow the economy."
Korando continued: "I moved to Minnesota from another state, earned a law degree, and planned on making this state my home because I love how well the state takes care of all Minnesotans. If corporations allow this discriminatory policy to pass, they’ll lose people like me."
For every new signature on Andrew’s petition, an email is sent to Best Buy’s executive leadership and members of their employee LGBT group (PRIDE).
Jim Edward
7:03 am on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
From Andrew Korando "If corporations allow this discriminatory policy to pass, they'll lose people like me." Don't let the door hit you in your Extortonist's A_ _ on your way out of the state.
Al Tate
7:42 am on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
I agree with Jim. It's not even about the issue at hand, it's about Korando's pompous, self-entitled attitude. He makes me want to vomit.
David Igh
8:41 am on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Here is the text of the petition:
Speak out against the Minnesota marriage amendment
Greetings,
Recently, Minnesota businessman Bill George, a former CEO of Medtronic and former Target board member, called on corporations based in the state of Minnesota to oppose an amendment to the state constitution prohibiting same-sex marriage.
Opposing this amendment is not only the morally right thing to do, but it is also in Best Buy’s best interest. As Mr. George pointed out it is “important . . . to recruit and retain talented people. Doing so requires a culture that accepts people as they are—not in spite of differences, but because of them.”
I agree with him.
Target Co., another Minnesota corporation, recently came out in opposition to this amendment stating that: “Target does not believe that a constitutional fight over the issue is good for Minnesota or the state’s ability to attract jobs and grow the economy.”
As a Minnesota-based institution, Best Buy should do as much as it can to support everyone in the community. The time has come for them to join Bill George and take a stand on this issue.
As a Best Buy shopper, I urge you to speak out and publicly oppose this amendment. It is bad law, bad policy, and bad for business.
Melissa Benson
10:14 am on Friday, January 4, 2013
No, it's not. You're just gay.
Al Tate
9:32 am on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Best Buy is in the business of making money as an electronics retailer. When they hire people they don't come out and say "are you gay" they ask "do you have the skills we need." Sexual orientation should not be a corporate issue. When hiring the people hiring don't know the sexual orientation nor do they care. They just want someone to do the job the best they can.
Jeff Roberts
11:18 am on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Well said, Al. I agree with you. Regardless of how a person feels about the issue, marriage should not be a corporate consideration.
Melissa Benson
10:13 am on Friday, January 4, 2013
Only a homo like you "doesn't care".
Pork Chop Guy
11:03 am on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Dear Best Buy,
You will lose this customer if you support gay marriage.
Melissa Benson
10:13 am on Friday, January 4, 2013
Agreed.
Nicholas Goers
3:29 pm on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Really Pork Chop? You're as close minded as the next red neck!
Jim Edward
10:51 am on Thursday, June 7, 2012
So Pork Chops statement makes him a red neck? Read again Andrew Korandos statement. He also offers Best Buy an ultimatum. I guess that makes him a "Red Neck" too.
Melissa Benson
10:11 am on Friday, January 4, 2013
@Nicholas Goers
And you're just as gay as the next fa g got.
Keith Joyce
4:31 pm on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
I am personally dead set against the amendment, however, the choice is for the people to make, not corporate America. A big part of many of our problems with politics these days is from too much corporate influence. KEEP THE CORPORATIONS OUT OF IT. Pass or Fail I will live with the choice as long as I believe that the people chose. In my opinion, Target should have never offered theirs.
Jeff Roberts
7:06 pm on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
"Pass or Fail I will live with the choice as long as I believe that the people chose. In my opinion, Target should have never offered theirs." I've never agreed with you more, Keith.
Ken Coy
4:35 pm on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Can anyone say "extortion" and "bully"?