14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft official policies regarding its almost 80,000 employees, as of the end of 2007, have been focused on delivering a consistent support to diversity. With subsidiaries in no less than 103 countries around the world, Microsoft is employing men and women belonging to a wide and diversified range of cultures, religions, races etc. This is perhaps the reason why the Redmond company has adopted a very liberal position when it comes to diversity, one that virtually scraps discrimination based on any criteria. And in this regard, Microsoft has indicated its commitment to supporting workplace-related gay rights legislation.
This has failed to bode well with the religious fanatics in Redmond. Case in point: Pastor Ken Hutcherson of Antioch Bible Church has planted the seeds of a religious crusade against the Redmond giant designed to convert Microsoft from queer to straight. The conservative Christian pastor has referred to himself as David, and to Microsoft as Goliath, and is gearing up for a reenactment of the David and Goliath confrontation of Biblical proportions.
"I could work with you, or I could be your worst nightmare, because I am a black man with a righteous cause, with a host of powerful white people behind me. I hope to hear from you and if not, you will hear from me", the pastor threatened Microsoft executives, according to an e-mail sent to his supporters, as cited by SeattlePI.
While on a mission to become Microsoft's worst nightmare, the pastor is now gathering the flock to him and sending it into battle. Which literally means that they have to buy Microsoft stock in order to gain a big enough share in the company as to control decisions regarding support of gay rights legislation and non-discrimination based on sexual orientation.
The Redmond company failed to bow to the pressure delivered by Hutcherson, and with 97% of the shareholders offering their support for the gay rights legislation, the pastor is fighting in a lost battle. Microsoft currently has 9.36 billion outstanding shares, and the largest holder is its co-founder Bill Gates, which still accounts for 858 million shares, giving him 9% of the company.