What does your Boss think about Gay Marriage?

[fastenatingguy]

There are two equal owners at my employer. Each is a non-practicing Jew that married a Christian (one did twice), and generally, they are secular and left leaning, one more than the other. Everyone else in the company is Christian; three are genuine practicing Catholics, others not much or at all; plus there are others who are not religious at all. One is an elder in his church.

One owner I have known for sixteen years from a time when we were competitors. He worked for me for two years, then bought this company in the same industry. After I closed my old manufacturing business, he wanted me to work for him. About two years later, I did. So I knew what I was getting into, so to speak. Very happy and here going on six years.

He is not your typical business owner: Democrat, but ANTI-union; Socially liberal and fiscally centrist. Hates all Republicans except LOVES Chris Chistie. Clearly Pro choice and accepting of gays, but no same sex marriage, although civil unions are ok.

We have lunch probably four days each week. That’s when we talk politics and religion. His best friend outside the business is a Catholic deacon; inside the business, it’s me, a right, conservative Catholic. He loves to debate the issues and is not as well informed as he should be (or as I am). We tease each other a lot.

The youngest person in our office of 12 is 38 years old. She just had her first baby and has returned to the Church. Everyone else is 50 to 60. Hardly any office politics. Lots of good natured ribbing – even what others MIGHT consider “off color” – but no hidden agendas.

“God bless you” is heard from 11 different voices when the twelfth sneezes–even from the seculars.

 

[edwest2]

Sex is a private matter, and it should stay that way at work. One of my relatives, who is the head of a particular department at the store where she works, was getting the day started when a male employee came into the meeting room and blurted out, “I got laid last night!” Her response was: “Thanks for sharing, but there’s some business I’ve got to talk to you about.”

I was taught to respect others, to be polite, to never ask about a person’s financial situation and not ask about personal problems or get involved unless asked by the other person. I enjoy helping out, but if I need more details to help, I always preface my question with, “If you don’t mind me asking” or “Is it OK for me to ask you about this?” I always get permission before I ask to make sure I’m not going to make the other person uncomfortable. Or, I’ll say, “You don’t have to answer this but could this [whatever] be part of the problem?” When a person knows that I respect the fact that there may be limits to what they want to reveal, I usually get a polite, “I’d rather not talk about that” or “It’s OK. I’ll tell you.”

I know what my boss thinks about gay marriage and he understands what I think about it and why. The end.

Peace,
Ed

 

[Seeker1961]

The question is: should you know the values of the people who give you money and the people from whom you purchase goods and services? If those values turn out not to match with yours, should you leave the job or stop giving money to that person for goods and services?

 

[Corki]

The question is: should you know the values of the people who give you money and the people from whom you purchase goods and services? If those values turn out not to match with yours, should you leave the job or stop giving money to that person for goods and services?

IMHO, you shouldn’t necessarily seek out everyone’s values and moral positions, but if an employer, client or customer forces his opinon on you, you can certainly take that into account in your financial decisions.

 

[ahs]

IMHO, you shouldn’t necessarily seek out everyone’s values and moral positions, but if an employer, client or customer forces his opinon on you, you can certainly take that into account in your financial decisions.

Yes, this! We are not responsible for what people do with the money we give them for their services. The service offered is the service offered…what their personal opinions or beliefs may be is not really our business unless they make it so.

Oh, as to the OP…my immediate supervisor is against gay marriage…but our employer is for it.

 

[Elizabeth502]

IMHO, you shouldn’t necessarily seek out everyone’s values and moral positions, but if an employer, client or customer forces his opinon on you, you can certainly take that into account in your financial decisions.

…or [with regard to an employer] makes you feel uncomfortable, or makes you feel ‘cornered’ about your opinion, or creates an atmosphere which translates to a “hostile work environment” for those who don’t agree with the popular view at the workplace. (Such as marginalizing and labeling those whose views differ.)