Apple’s gay CEO slams laws based on ‘religious freedom’

The CEO of Apple has slammed the creation of laws based on ‘religious freedom’.

Last week, Republican Governor Mike Pence signed legislation which will allow Indiana business owners to discriminate against customers on religious grounds. The decision has been met with widespread criticism from public figures including Hillary Clinton and Miley Cyrus and global businesses.

Indiana isn’t the only state to introduce such a law. According to The Washington Post, 19 states throughout the US currently have pro-discrimination laws based on religious freedom.

Following the controversy, Apple CEO Tim Cook – himself gay – told the newspaper that “it’s time for us all to be courageous” and take a stand against discrimination.

“A wave of legislation, introduced in more than two dozen states, would allow people to discriminate against their neighbours. Some, such as the bill enacted in Indiana last week that drew a national outcry and one passed in Arkansas, say individuals can cite their personal religious beliefs to refuse service to a customer or resist a state nondiscrimination law.”

He continued: “This isn’t a political issue. It isn’t a religious issue. This is about how we treat each other as human beings. Opposing discrimination takes courage. With the lives and dignity of so many people at stake, it’s time for all of us to be courageous.”

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