Bellevue-based T-Mobile USA will support Washington’s Referendum 74, the company announced Monday.
The referendum, which would affirm the legislatively backed law that legalizes same-sex marriage, will be on the ballot in November.
The company will contribute $25,000 to Washington United for Marriage, the group campaigning to pass the referendum, according to company officials.
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T-Mobile’s announcements puts it with a number of local companies voicing support for same-sex marriage equality. What do you think about these companies weighing in? Tell us in the comments.
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Other local companies and executives also have announced support for the law and have donated to Washington United for Marriage, includingMicrosoft CEO Steve Ballmer and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Microsoft also affirmed its support of the same sex marriage law in January, before it was approved by the legislature.
“T-Mobile has a long-standing focus on creating an inclusive workplace environment for our employees,” said Jim Alling, T-Mobile’s interim chief executive officer and chief operating officer said in a prepared statement. “Our support of this issue is a reflection of our culture, how we do business, and our belief in the fair and equitable treatment of all employees.”
T-Mobile’s news release also included prepared statements by Washington United for Marriage.
“We are very excited that T-Mobile has decided to take this important step in endorsing our effort to approve Referendum 74,” said WUM Campaign Manager Zach Silk. “As one of the top employers in the Puget Sound area, T-Mobile’s support demonstrates a commitment to employees, customers, and communities in Washington state.”
T-Mobile USA’s corporate headquarters are in the Eastgate area of Bellevue. More than 4,800 T-Mobile employees live and work in Washington, according to the company.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates and CEO Steve Ballmer have each donated $100,000 to Washington state’s marriage equality movement.

The AP cites Zach Silk, campaign manager for Washington United for Marriage, who says the checks were cut on Friday and are being reported to the state Public Disclosure Commission Monday afternoon. The Washington state Legislature passed the law allowing same-sex marriage earlier this year, and it was signed by Gov. Chris Gregoire in Feb. But an effort to put that law up to a vote was successful, meaning Referendum 74 — seeking to overturn the law allowing same-sex marriage in Washington state — is on the ballot in November.

In November last year, Microsoft joined in the filing of an amicus brief supporting the overturn of DOMA.