Two Okla. Fortune 500's have gender identity policies
by Brian Brus
The Journal Record February 17, 2009
http://www.journalrecord.com/article.cfm?recid=96085OKLAHOMA CITY – Workplace protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered employees have expanded significantly over the last decade, exemplified by 175 of the Fortune 500 companies now with gender identity policies – including two in Oklahoma, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation reported.
Oneok Inc. and Williams Cos. Inc., both based in Tulsa, have adopted official policies to protect their employees against prejudiced treatment because of their sexual orientation, the foundation found in its recent survey. Williams spokeswoman Julie Gentz said her company also provides same-sex partner benefits, which wasn't noted by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
"Over the years, Williams has made several important strides in fulfilling our mission of attracting and creating a diverse work force," Gentz said. "And we want our policies to be reflective of our principles of equity and fairness as well as to enhance our competitive advantage."
