IBEC statement that Marriage Equality is good for Irish Business is welcomed by Yes Equality Campaign

25 Mar 2015

Wednesday, March 25th, 2015 4pm:

Yes Equality: The Campaign for Civil Marriage Equality has welcomed today’s statement by Ibec that Irish businesses have an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusion by supporting the upcoming civil marriage referendum on May 22.

Grainne Healy today welcomed the statement by IBEC that a Yes vote in the Marriage Equality Referendum on May 22 is; “Good for business, good for Ireland and good for individuals.”

Grainne Healy, Yes Equality spokesperson said, “We welcome the support of one of Ireland’s most influential employer organisations, clearly indicating the importance of the Marriage Equality Referendum as a step forward in Ireland’s economic development.”

Ibec said today; “If organisations are committed to being more open, respectful and want to prevent discrimination, supporting marriage equality can send a powerful message to both their employees and customers.”
“Ireland’s reputation as a welcoming country helps retain local talent and attract international talent as well as foreign investment.”

Ibec noted the support of prominent U.S. businesses in the Campaign for Civil Marriage Equality in the United States and that many of these companies also have key offices in Ireland.
“Earlier this month 379 U.S. companies urged the US Supreme Court to remove the ban on same sex marriage. As many as 60 of these companies are also based in Ireland, including Apple, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Coca-Cola and Johnson and Johnson.”

“Equality and diversity are strategic business issues. Diversity and inclusion offer real opportunity for the achievement of key business goals. All employees should have the opportunity to perform to their full potential and a high performance culture requires employees to feel comfortable in their environment.”

Healy concluded, “A Yes vote in the upcoming referendum for marriage equality on May 22 will be another step toward Ireland being a world leader in business development, international economic relations and equality in the workplace.”

ENDS

Yes Equality: The Campaign for Civil Marriage Equality Press Release

Media Contact: Yvonne Judge, 087 662 4775 / yvonne@yesequality.ie