Google Files Amicus Brief in Proposition 8 Suit

Google is continuing to make good on its support of equality for LGBT Americans and has now filed an amicus brief - a "friend of the court" brief - that asks that the California Supreme Court strike down Proposition 8 as an illegal amendment to the California constitution. From all that I have read, I believe that the argument that Proposition 8 utilized the wrong amendment process is correct and that therefore should be struck down. The actual brief in which Levi Strauss joined can befound here. Here are more highlights on the filing of Google's amicus brief:

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Google has filed an amicus brief in several legal challenges to Proposition 8, which make gay marriage illegal in California. The company argues that it has many gay, lesbian and bi-sexual employees and many come to work for the company because they can get married in California. If those marriages are annulled then the company says it would lose key talent and be placed at a competitive disadvantage.

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“In the wake of the election many were concerned with the impact Proposition 8 could have on the personal lives of people they work with every day, and on California's ability to attract and retain a diverse mix of employees from around the world,” said the company on its blog.

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“That's why we've signed an amicus brief in support of several cases currently challenging Proposition 8 in the California Supreme Court. Denying employees basic rights isn't right, and it isn't good for businesses. We are committed to preserving fundamental rights for every one of the people who work hard to make Google a success.”

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Google also argues that if proposition 8 is allowed to stand it will cause huge problems internally with payment systems. Health insurance, tax benefits and taxation systems based on the current recognition of gay marriage would have to be reorganised, at considerable cost.