Conservative group to attack Apple over 'hypocrisy' on religious freedom during shareholder meeting

Posted:
in AAPL Investors edited February 2016
This week's Apple shareholder meeting will be livened up by a proposal from the right-wing National Center for Public Policy Research, which seeks to have the company "review and report" on its operations in "high-risk regions with poor human rights records" after CEO Tim Cook spoke out on the Indiana religious freedom laws last year.

A Jarir Bookstore outlet in Khobar, Saudi Arabia
A Jarir Bookstore outlet in Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Jarir is an Apple retail partner.


Apple, and Cook in particular, are accused of having "joined with the mob in trying to destroy" small religious communities. The proposal comes in response to Cook's comments on an Indiana law that would have allowed small business owners to use "religious beliefs" as a defense in discrimination suits.

The proposal calls into question Apple's operations in countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates, which it says have "questionable human rights records as it relates to suffrage, women's rights and gay rights." It suggests that shareholders should ask the company to prepare a report detailing "Apple's criteria for investing in, operating in and withdrawing from high-risk regions."

"For example our CEO bashed state-level religious freedom laws as anti-homosexual bigotry saying, 'Apple is open. Open to everyone, regardless of where they come from, what they look like, how they worship or who they love. Regardless of what the law might allow in Indiana or Arkansas, we will never tolerate discrimination,'" the group says. "Yet, according to the Washington Post, Apple has a presence in 17 countries where homosexual acts are illegal. In four of those nations, homosexual acts are punishable by death. These company operations are inconsistent with Apple's values as extolled by our CEO."

The NCPPR is no stranger to Apple shareholder activism. In 2014, the group unsuccessfully floated a proposal that would have Apple justify its environmental policies on profit grounds -- a suggestion that drove Cook to respond that the company doesn't consider the "bloody ROI" when making those choices.

That proposal was handily defeated and, unsurprisingly, Apple's board of directors advises shareholders to vote against the newest one as well:

This proposal requests a report on Apple's guidelines for selecting countries for our operations. We do not believe that this would be a productive use of company resources. For example, such a report would necessarily have to omit proprietary information and would therefore be an incomplete picture of our approach. Moreover, we believe that Apple's commitment to protecting and promoting human rights has already been demonstrated by both effective action and transparency about our work. Accordingly, the requested report is unnecessary and would not provide meaningful information to shareholders.


Apple's shareholder meeting will be held this Friday at Apple headquarters beginning at 9 a.m. Pacific.
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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 58
    SoliSoli Posts: 10,035member
    "For example our CEO bashed state-level religious freedom laws as anti-homosexual bigotry saying, 'Apple is open. Open to everyone, regardless of where they come from, what they look like, how they worship or who they love. Regardless of what the law might allow in Indiana or Arkansas, we will never tolerate discrimination,'" the group says. "Yet, according to the Washington Post, Apple has a presence in 17 countries where homosexual acts are illegal. In four of those nations, homosexual acts are punishable by death. These company operations are inconsistent with Apple's values as extolled by our CEO."

    And? Apple is open to everyone in those countries, too. Has Apple stated or made any move to not sell to bigots in US, but will sell to bigots in those other countries? Of course not.

    nolamacguyAnironnhlee1169brakkenhmmjony0justadcomicsIanMC2
  • Reply 2 of 58
    Soli said:
    "For example our CEO bashed state-level religious freedom laws as anti-homosexual bigotry saying, 'Apple is open. Open to everyone, regardless of where they come from, what they look like, how they worship or who they love. Regardless of what the law might allow in Indiana or Arkansas, we will never tolerate discrimination,'" the group says. "Yet, according to the Washington Post, Apple has a presence in 17 countries where homosexual acts are illegal. In four of those nations, homosexual acts are punishable by death. These company operations are inconsistent with Apple's values as extolled by our CEO."

    And? Apple is open to everyone in those countries, too. Has Apple stated or made any move to not sell to bigots in US, but will sell to bigots in those other countries? Of course not.

    Ah yes, thinking differently than the mob = bigot. 
    icoco3lkruppronntallest skil
  • Reply 3 of 58
    pmzpmz Posts: 3,433member
    Not selling to bigots is also discrimination.

    Christ, people are so stupid.
    SpamSandwichhlee1169justadcomicsIanMC2tallest skil
  • Reply 4 of 58
    wizard69wizard69 Posts: 13,377member
    Soli said:
    "For example our CEO bashed state-level religious freedom laws as anti-homosexual bigotry saying, 'Apple is open. Open to everyone, regardless of where they come from, what they look like, how they worship or who they love. Regardless of what the law might allow in Indiana or Arkansas, we will never tolerate discrimination,'" the group says. "Yet, according to the Washington Post, Apple has a presence in 17 countries where homosexual acts are illegal. In four of those nations, homosexual acts are punishable by death. These company operations are inconsistent with Apple's values as extolled by our CEO."

    And? Apple is open to everyone in those countries, too. Has Apple stated or made any move to not sell to bigots in US, but will sell to bigots in those other countries? Of course not.

    Anybody can twist a belief such that it looks terrible to outsiders.    Some religious groups don't approve of alcohol, if they exclude people that drink does that make them bigots?    If you religion doesn't approve of homosexual activities does that make up you a bigot?   The answer there is no, because individuals seldom practices their faith so strictly that they can not accept the existence of others.    Judging people by the religion they are born into is pretty foolish. 

    Now the the thing here is that Apple, by rallying against this act, has basically said that they don't approve of specific religious beliefs.   Frankly Apple as a company is grossly out of line doing so.    Religious freedom is a concept this country was built upon, in a very literal sense, as such we need to be careful about laws and policies that force people to set aside their beliefs.  In is country you are free to practice just about any religion and free to associate with any religious group you want or not.  This is freedom; forced association isn't.  
    edited February 2016 king editor the gratehpaulhtallest skil
  • Reply 5 of 58
    calicali Posts: 3,494member
    People are relying on Apple to change laws worlwide now? Wow Apple has gotten humongous.
    brakkenIanMC2
  • Reply 6 of 58
    Apple is a US based corporation and therefore it's appropriate to comment about things going on in the US.  Family members can dispute things they don't like in their own home, but it would be inappropriate to do so when a guest in someone else's home.  Apple's role in the US is quite different than it's role in other countries.
    The NCPPR should learn the concept of the tail wagging the dog.  Sorry to hear we'll have to hear their spiel again on Friday.
    nolamacguyAnironnmanfred zornhlee1169drowjony0justadcomicsIanMC2badmonk
  • Reply 7 of 58
    They're not wrong. Cook will speak out on things in the US that he would never dare speak out on about China. Of course he's running a business and iPhone sales trump everything.
    bradipaofrankiejidoIanMC2
  • Reply 8 of 58
    tmaytmay Posts: 6,311member
    wizard69 said:
    Soli said:

    And? Apple is open to everyone in those countries, too. Has Apple stated or made any move to not sell to bigots in US, but will sell to bigots in those other countries? Of course not.

    Anybody can twist a belief such that it looks terrible to outsiders.    Some religious groups don't approve of alcohol, if they exclude people that drink does that make them bigots?    If you religion doesn't approve of homosexual activities does that make up you a bigot?   The answer there is no, because individuals seldom practices their faith so strictly that they can not accept the existence of others.    Judging people by the religion they are born into is pretty foolish. 

    Now the the thing here is that Apple, by rallying against this act, has basically said that they don't approve of specific religious beliefs.   Frankly Apple as a company is grossly out of line doing so.    Religious freedom is a concept this country was built upon, in a very literal sense, as such we need to be careful about laws and policies that force people to set aside their beliefs.  In is country you are free to practice just about any religion and free to associate with any religious group you want or not.  This is freedom; forced association isn't.  
    I can't force anyone to set aside their beliefs, but as a secular society, we can't let these beliefs be practiced if they interfere with someone else's basic freedom's.

    Frankly, as someone who grew up with liberal Christian theology (no, Jesus wasn't blond and didn't carry an AR-15), I could give a fuck about religion that stays out of politics and commerce, and follows the rule of the land; you know, separation of Church and State.
    muppetrywilliamlondonAnironnhlee1169justadcomicsIanMC2
  • Reply 9 of 58
    SoliSoli Posts: 10,035member
    wizard69 said:
    Soli said:

    And? Apple is open to everyone in those countries, too. Has Apple stated or made any move to not sell to bigots in US, but will sell to bigots in those other countries? Of course not.

    Some religious groups don't approve of alcohol, if they exclude people that drink does that make them bigots?    If you religion doesn't approve of homosexual activities does that make up you a bigot?
    Yes and yes.
    bigot - a person who is intolerant toward those holding different opinions.

    Now that we have that cleared up, these bigots have every right to choose not to buy Apple products because of their intolerant beliefs, but they are 


    Now the the thing here is that Apple, by rallying against this act, has basically said that they don't approve of specific religious beliefs.   Frankly Apple as a company is grossly out of line doing so.    Religious freedom is a concept this country was built upon, in a very literal sense, as such we need to be careful about laws and policies that force people to set aside their beliefs.

    So you see no distinction between civil rights, and using your religion as a justification to back up your hate speech? So you support a religions that persecute Jews, refer to "the blacks" as an inferior sub-species, and think so little of women that female circumcision is an acceptable practice.

     In is country you are free to practice just about any religion and free to associate with any religious group you want or not.  This is freedom; forced association isn't.  

    And yet you're arguing against Tim Cook's right to freedom of speech.

    edited February 2016 muppetrypunkndrublicnolamacguyAnimanfred zorndtidmorejony0IanMC2
  • Reply 10 of 58
    cnocbuicnocbui Posts: 3,613member
    "questionable human rights records as it relates to suffrage, women's rights and gay rights."

    They have mentioned core problems inherent in probably every religion ever practiced.
    brakkenwaverboy
  • Reply 11 of 58
    Soli said:
    wizard69 said:
    Some religious groups don't approve of alcohol, if they exclude people that drink does that make them bigots?    If you religion doesn't approve of homosexual activities does that make up you a bigot?
    Yes and yes.
    bigot - a person who is intolerant toward those holding different opinions.

    Now that we have that cleared up, these bigots have every right to choose not to buy Apple products because of their intolerant beliefs, but they are 


    So you see no distinction between civil rights, and using your religion as a justification to back up your hate speech? So you support a religions that persecute Jews, refer to "the blacks" as inferior, and think so little of women that female circumcision is an acceptable practice.

    And yet you're arguing against Tim Cook's right to freedom of speech.

    So it appears that you are intolerant towards those (religious people that exclude) holding different opinions (want to exclude others) than you... does that make you a bigot now?

    /I'm with you btw
    edited February 2016 muppetry
  • Reply 12 of 58
    freerangefreerange Posts: 1,597member
    wizard69 said:
    Soli said:

    And? Apple is open to everyone in those countries, too. Has Apple stated or made any move to not sell to bigots in US, but will sell to bigots in those other countries? Of course not.

    Anybody can twist a belief such that it looks terrible to outsiders.    Some religious groups don't approve of alcohol, if they exclude people that drink does that make them bigots?    If you religion doesn't approve of homosexual activities does that make up you a bigot?   The answer there is no, because individuals seldom practices their faith so strictly that they can not accept the existence of others.    Judging people by the religion they are born into is pretty foolish. 

    Now the the thing here is that Apple, by rallying against this act, has basically said that they don't approve of specific religious beliefs.   Frankly Apple as a company is grossly out of line doing so.    Religious freedom is a concept this country was built upon, in a very literal sense, as such we need to be careful about laws and policies that force people to set aside their beliefs.  In is country you are free to practice just about any religion and free to associate with any religious group you want or not.  This is freedom; forced association isn't.  
    What nonsense - they are totally in line - just because it's part of a religion doesn't make it right and that is exactly Apple's position. As to doing business in those other countries, that does not mean by any stretch of the imagination that they condone their behavior and have made their views quite clear. Thankfully here is a company that strongly voices their beliefs which in and of itself is a way to promote change while others hide behind their corporate umbrella.
    nolamacguymuppetryAnidtidmorejustadcomicsIanMC2
  • Reply 13 of 58
    Rayz2016Rayz2016 Posts: 6,957member
    I have a question.

    Would this law mean that Apple couldn't fire a retail worker who refused to serve a homosexual couple?
    brakkenIanMC2
  • Reply 14 of 58
    SoliSoli Posts: 10,035member
    Rayz2016 said:
    I have a question.

    Would this law mean that Apple couldn't fire a retail worker who refused to serve a homosexual couple?
    Both Indiana and Arkansas are right-to-work states, so I believe that means Apple can fire someone without having to give a stated reason.
  • Reply 15 of 58
    Rayz2016 said:
    I have a question.

    Would this law mean that Apple couldn't fire a retail worker who refused to serve a homosexual couple?
    No, Apple doesn't sale cakes. 
    edited February 2016
  • Reply 16 of 58
    Soli said:

    And? Apple is open to everyone in those countries, too. Has Apple stated or made any move to not sell to bigots in US, but will sell to bigots in those other countries? Of course not.

    Ah yes, thinking differently than the mob = bigot. 
    only if that thinking is based on the principle of exclusion. if you're not equal rights for all, regardless of gender, race, sexuality, etc, then yes, you're probably a bigot.

    marriage equality is here to stay. it will outlive your mindset, and thats a good thing. your grandchildren won't believe it was once mainstream to hate gays or try to prevent them from having equal rights. 
    edited February 2016 SoliwilliamlondonmuppetryAnironndementuschikanhlee1169dtidmorejustadcomicswaverboy
  • Reply 17 of 58
    icoco3icoco3 Posts: 1,474member
    Soli said:
    wizard69 said:
    Some religious groups don't approve of alcohol, if they exclude people that drink does that make them bigots?    If you religion doesn't approve of homosexual activities does that make up you a bigot?
    Yes and yes.

    Now that we have that cleared up, these bigots have every right to choose not to buy Apple products because of their intolerant beliefs, but they are 


    So you see no distinction between civil rights, and using your religion as a justification to back up your hate speech? So you support a religions that persecute Jews, refer to "the blacks" as an inferior sub-species, and think so little of women that female circumcision is an acceptable practice.

    And yet you're arguing against Tim Cook's right to freedom of speech.


    bigot - a person who is intolerant toward those holding different opinions.
    Don't forget, that goes both ways.  Funny how those that espouse "tolerance" of other opinions are so intolerant of those who do not conform to their opinions.
  • Reply 18 of 58
    icoco3icoco3 Posts: 1,474member
    Rayz2016 said:
    I have a question.

    Would this law mean that Apple couldn't fire a retail worker who refused to serve a homosexual couple?
    We don't support homosexuality but we serve customers all the time at the Farmers Market who are gay.  I shouldn't be compelled to advocate for their position but as human beings, they buy from us all the time and we happily serve them.

    Further to your question, by serving them, an Apple employee would not be endorsing their lifestyle.
    edited February 2016
  • Reply 19 of 58
    jfc1138jfc1138 Posts: 3,090member
    Here in America if you're in the business to serve the public you SERVE THE PUBLIC, that Indiana law was a free pass to bigots to target people they were told were "deviates". And it was wrong. Don't want to serve Americans? Move out of the country.
    justadcomicsIanMC2
  • Reply 20 of 58
    tmaytmay Posts: 6,311member
    icoco3 said:
    Soli said:
    Yes and yes.

    Now that we have that cleared up, these bigots have every right to choose not to buy Apple products because of their intolerant beliefs, but they are 


    So you see no distinction between civil rights, and using your religion as a justification to back up your hate speech? So you support a religions that persecute Jews, refer to "the blacks" as an inferior sub-species, and think so little of women that female circumcision is an acceptable practice.

    And yet you're arguing against Tim Cook's right to freedom of speech.


    Don't forget, that goes both ways.  Funny how those that espouse "tolerance" of other opinions are so intolerant of those who do not conform to their opinions.
    You are getting the right to free expression, "opinions", mixed up with the illegal actions of bigots colliding with the governing laws of the land. This is always the strawman that bigots throw out. 
    ronnhlee1169justadcomicsbadmonk
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