Apple CEO Tim Cook slams US 'dangerous discrimination' laws

Apple chief Tim Cook slammed what he called a wave of "dangerous" laws in several US states that he said promote discrimination and erode equality, in an editorial published March 29.
      
Cook -- one of the most prominent chief executives to publicly acknowledge his homosexuality -- wrote in the Washington Post that so-called "religious freedom" laws passed in several states threaten to undo progress toward greater equality.        

"There's something very dangerous happening in states across the country," Cook wrote in the editorial.
      
"These bills rationalize injustice by pretending to defend something many of us hold dear. They go against the very principles our nation was founded on."       

Cook's comments follow the adoption of a controversial law in the state of Indiana last week that critics say would allow businesses to deny service to homosexuals on religious grounds.
      
The law, which takes effect July 1, makes no mention of gays or lesbians. But activists say it makes it legal for businesses whose owners reject homosexuality on religious grounds to turn away LGBT customers.
      
Eighteen other states have adopted similar laws, including Kentucky, Tennessee and Texas, all of which ban same-sex marriage.
      
Cook said such laws erode fundamental rights and make no sense for business owners.
      
"America's business community recognized a long time ago that discrimination, in all its forms, is bad for business," he wrote.         

"On behalf of Apple, I'm standing up to oppose this new wave of legislation -- wherever it emerges."        
Cook, who was baptized as a child, said he has "great reverence for religious freedom," but said faith should not be...