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Telstra CEO Andy Penn says telco was wrong not to stick with support for same sex marriage

Telstra has reacted to public anger over its failure to support same sex marriage

Telstra has reacted to public anger over its failure to support same sex marriage

Telstra CEO Andy Penn has reversed the company’s controversial decision to withdraw public support for same sex marriage after pressure from the Catholic church, in a move that has acknowledged public outrage at the original decision.

Telstra had originally come out in support of same sex marriage along with dozens of other companies in an ad published by Australians for marriage equality before backing down last week following pressure from the church.

In an email to staff, Penn admitted there had been significant debate about Telstra’s stance but said that rather than stepping back from the debate, as he had told staff last week, Telstra should step forward.

“By renewing our active position, we acknowledge that we are at equal risk of inflaming a new debate, but it is the right thing to do,” he said.

“It also remains very important that we continue to recognise and respect the right of the individual to hold their own view on this issue.”

Telstra’s decision to back away from public support for marriage equality came after the church wrote to it and other organisations warning that they could lose business from entities associated with the church it they continued to support the movement publicly.

The revelation sparked a massive social media backlash with supporters of LGBTI rights saying they would move on from Telstra.

Optus-owned rival Virgin Mobile used Telstra’s stance as an excuse to offer a spot on a float in the Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras as a prize in its current PR campaign promoting data rollover.

“Does your telco support marriage equality? We do and we’re not afraid to say it. Today’s auction lot lets you shine bright like a diamond, Mardi Gras-style, with a spot on a fabulous parade float,” the telco said on Facebook.

The full text of Penn’s announcement:

There has been significant debate and commentary recently regarding Telstra’s position on marriage equality and we would like to address a number of concerns and misunderstandings.

Telstra supports diversity and inclusion. We have long advocated and often pioneered the fostering of a more supportive, diverse workplace in this country.

Telstra supports marriage equality. Last week we advised that out of respect for the individual our view had been that we would not add further to the debate on marriage equality ahead of a plebiscite or parliamentary debate. It is clear that rather than Telstra stepping back we should in fact step forward and support our view for marriage equality and so that is what we will do.

By renewing our active position, we acknowledge that we are at equal risk of inflaming a new debate but it is the right thing to do. It also remains very important that we continue to recognise and respect the right of the individual to hold their own view on this issue.

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Simon Canning

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