Microsoft slammed for gay rights bill reversal

While Microsoft prepares to "Start Something" next week at WinHEC 2005, the company is facing a heap of criticism that threatens to overshadow its biggest event in years. Microsoft is under fire from gay rights advocates and even its own employees for withdrawing support from a bill that outlaws discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Although Microsoft has been a major supporter of gay rights in the workplace and has backed the antidiscrimination legislation for the last two years, the company recently reversed its stance on House bill 1515 to "neutral." The bill lost by one vote on Thursday in the Washington State Senate.

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