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Business & Tech

Expedia Announces Support for Same-Sex Marriage

Expedia, a Bellevue-based online travel company, announced this week support for marriage equality and Referendum 74. It is the latest Eastside company to announce support for same-sex marriage.

Expedia, a Bellevue-based online travel company, announced support for marriage equality and Referendum 74 on Tuesday.

The referendum, which would affirm the legislatively backed law that legalizes same-sex marriage, .

It is the latest Bellevue company to announce support for same-sex marriage. .

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Expedia has joined a number of local companies voicing support for same-sex marriage equality. What do you think about these companies weighing in on political topics? Tell us in the comments.

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Expedia's president and CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said in a press release:

As the world's largest online travel company – with operations in well over 30 countries – we know firsthand that the world is a diverse place. Much like our customers, clients, partners, and suppliers, our employees represent a multitude of locations, cultures, and experiences. We encourage Expedians to bring their collective intelligence and myriad skills to work every day to make travel more accessible for our customers. As such, we are committed to creating a workplace environment in which everyone thrives. 

We strive to actively promote equality in our workplace and are committed to treating one another with respect and dignity. Part of our overall diversity efforts is providing a supportive environment for our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) employees.

Today, we add our voice to the topic of marriage equality. We thoughtfully engage in this public discussion because it has a significant impact on our employees, customers, and partners, all with whom we interact daily. Supporting the legislation recently passed in Washington State – which provides same-sex couples with the same right to civil marriage that opposite-sex couples already enjoy – is a natural extension of our ongoing commitment to the LGBT community.

Therefore, Expedia, Inc. is proud to declare support of marriage equality for same-sex couples everywhere.

Respectfully,
Dara Khosrowshahi - President/CEO, Expedia, Inc.

Washington United for Marriage, the group campaigning in support of Referendum 74, said:

“We are so pleased to add Expedia to our ever-expanding list of Washington-based corporate supporters,” said Zach Silk, WUM campaign manager.  “Like other corporate leaders, Dara Khosrowshahi understands that treating all families fairly and allowing all loving couples the freedom to marry is a core value that builds strong communities and strong businesses. When most people think travel, they think Expedia and we couldn’t be more excited to have them join our effort to Approve Referendum 74.”

Other local companies and executives also have announced support for the law and have donated to Washington United for Marriage, including . Microsoft also affirmed its support of the same sex marriage law in January, before it was approved by the legislature.

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