Ballmer Wades in on Gays

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer sent out a letter to employees to clarify Microsoft's and his preferred position on gays and specifically, their position on anti-discriminatory legislation being debated. Ballmer says that Microsoft and he himself, remains "hardcore" about diversity and "rigorous about having a non-discriminatory environment." OK Steve. Down boy. Ballmer went on to say that Microsoft decided to narrow their legislative focus rather selfishly on matters that had a direct impact on their business. In no way did they cave in when Rev. Hutcherson demanded that the two Microsoft employees that testified in support of the anti-discriminatory legislation, be burned at the stake, because from Ballmer's experience, gays don't burn well -- and further, the demand that Ballmer should do a public dance in support of taking away all gay rights was just ludicrous. Ballmer questioned whether public companies should be taking a position on social issues that have strong support on both sides of the camp from their employees -- no matter how right one side is. In such cases, he suggests that Microsoft will continue to be a place where employees are respected, treated fairly and he personally, will swing both ways. Ballmer recognizes that some employees will be "frustrated by the position" he takes, but that he just likes to "wrestle" with everyone -- regardless of their sexual orientation.