As many of you may know I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some might conclude given my family's membership in the Mormon Church that our company supported the recent ballot initiative to ban same sex marriage in California. This is simply untrue. Marriott International is a public company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, and is not controlled by any one individual or family. Neither I, nor the company, contributed to the campaign to pass Proposition 8.
The Bible that I love teaches me about honesty, integrity and unconditional love for all people. But beyond that, I am very careful about separating my personal faith and beliefs from how we run our business.
I am personally motivated to speak now because Marriott was built on the basic principles of respect and inclusion. My father, who founded this company along with my mother, told everyone who would listen: "Take care of your employees, and they'll take care of your customers, who will come back again and again."
For more than 80 years, our company has grown and changed, but that basic principle still holds up. We embrace all people as our customers, associates, owners and franchisees regardless of race, sex, gender identity or sexual orientation.
Our principle is backed up with a formal diversity program, which we established more than 20 years ago. Our Board of Directors has also focused on this priority and helped us be a leader and a better company. We were among the first in our industry to offer domestic partner benefits, and we've earned a perfect 100% score on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index for two years in a row. Many of our hotels have hosted LGBT community functions and events for years.
I am very proud of all of our associates at Marriott. And I want all our associates and guests, whom we welcome into our hotels, to know that we embrace your talents and thank you for your many contributions and your business.
I'm Bill Marriott, and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the Move.
***Editor's Note: We strongly encourage all readers to read the Terms of Use before posting a comment.***
The Bible that I love teaches me about honesty, integrity and unconditional love for all people. But beyond that, I am very careful about separating my personal faith and beliefs from how we run our business.
I am personally motivated to speak now because Marriott was built on the basic principles of respect and inclusion. My father, who founded this company along with my mother, told everyone who would listen: "Take care of your employees, and they'll take care of your customers, who will come back again and again."
For more than 80 years, our company has grown and changed, but that basic principle still holds up. We embrace all people as our customers, associates, owners and franchisees regardless of race, sex, gender identity or sexual orientation.
Our principle is backed up with a formal diversity program, which we established more than 20 years ago. Our Board of Directors has also focused on this priority and helped us be a leader and a better company. We were among the first in our industry to offer domestic partner benefits, and we've earned a perfect 100% score on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index for two years in a row. Many of our hotels have hosted LGBT community functions and events for years.
I am very proud of all of our associates at Marriott. And I want all our associates and guests, whom we welcome into our hotels, to know that we embrace your talents and thank you for your many contributions and your business.
I'm Bill Marriott, and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the Move.
The facts About Marriott and Californias Proposition 8
***Editor's Note: We strongly encourage all readers to read the Terms of Use before posting a comment.***
For more than 80 years, our company has grown and changed, but that basic principle still holds up. We embrace all people as our customers, associates, owners and franchisees regardless of race, sex, gender identity or sexual orientation.
Posted by: e-papierosy | 03/31/2013 at 11:08 AM
I am so glad to see this. IMO, the Marriott properties are the best run in the mid-price category. I was very unhappy when I heard that it was Mormon owned, but impressed by the performance and wondered if it was motivated by the beliefs. I have my answer here and will feel much better about staying at the Marriott properties when I have the opportunity.
Posted by: Jennifer | 11/13/2012 at 08:51 AM
i an used to that posting a blog but i never heard that technique before thanks for that useful information really it s very significant.I am looking forward to read your next great article... Nice article, thanks.
Posted by: How To Lose 50 Pounds In 1 Month | 10/26/2012 at 06:06 AM
indeed difficult to distinguish between faith and give the business
Posted by: melia propolis | 12/26/2011 at 11:01 PM
same-sex marriage in my country is not allowed. And it's still very taboo in my country. So if anyone want same-sex marriage. They have to get married and move in another country
Posted by: Chlorophyll Mint Powder | 12/22/2011 at 09:17 PM
I do wish there were more people like you around on the interwebs. Not many people are careful with their words, including myself sometimes. I have written things I would love to take back, goo work, keep it up
Posted by: meizitang | 12/21/2011 at 06:25 PM
I don't think I've read anything like this before. So good to find somebody with some original thoughts on this subject.
Posted by: cryptomonadales | 12/21/2011 at 12:43 AM
Voglio incoraggiare di continuare il tuo ottimo lavoro, hanno una buona giornata
Posted by: susu fortico | 12/19/2011 at 07:10 PM
Took me time to read all the comments,I do wish there were more people like you
Posted by: bb cream | 12/16/2011 at 06:36 PM
My spouse come across a new challenge & diverse in this article.Thank you for the great article.
Posted by: maxgrowth premium | 12/14/2011 at 07:47 PM
so I am sure this website will form the well-known in the future.This is exactly what I was looking for.
Posted by: sewa mobil semarang | 12/13/2011 at 12:19 AM
Thank you for the great article I did enjoyed reading it, I will be sure to bookmark your blog and definitely will come back from again. I want to encourage that you continue your great job, have a good day
Posted by: seo services | 12/11/2011 at 11:20 PM
This website has very good content.Thank you for the great article I did enjoyed reading it, I will be sure to bookmark your blog and definitely will come back from again. I want to encourage that you continue your great job, have a good day
Posted by: susu fortico | 12/09/2011 at 11:33 PM
thank for info :)
this info is very good for me.
This site is awesome. My spouse and i constantly come across a new challenge & diverse in this article.
Posted by: Nama Bayi | 12/02/2011 at 08:31 PM
Thanks for share about this . Such a great info share with us.
http://www.byteseo.com/
Posted by: Online Seo Service | 09/27/2011 at 10:51 PM
My empathy goes to everyone on this issue. I don't believe any cause gets forwarded by hate and distance. We all have competing issues in our lives to reconcile, and we do our best. I appreciated the difficulty and effort that went into Mr. Marriott's statement. I'm sure it wasn't easy to draft.
Posted by: Howard | 10/10/2010 at 12:05 PM
I gained a lot of information reading your post. I really loved it. I'll visit your site more often to keep up.
Posted by: Tax Attorney | 07/19/2010 at 08:36 AM
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Joyce
http://www.shunmigraine.com
Posted by: Joyce | 12/10/2008 at 06:16 PM
I am booked again this year at the Sydney Marriott for the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. As Mr. Mariott knows, the strategic location of his hotel (and the good rooms/service) means that it is filled every year for a week or two with gay and lesbian visitors. I was about to cancel my reservations and move to another hotel when I read Mr. Marriott's comments. I am satisfied and will keep my booking. Thank you. And, Mr. Marriott, next time please show your support next time by donating to our cause, not just by remaining silent.
Posted by: Stewart | 12/09/2008 at 09:46 AM
If one is a member of a church that believes one thing and uses its members tithes to support a cause which is anti-that-church in teachings, why would members continue to claim loyalty of said church??
Instead of insisting that one is pro-gay cause, why not help oust your church leaders for speaking on your behalf when it is not your own wish?
If I were a member of the CLDS, and Bill Marriott, I would speaking out against my church... NOT prop 8! Which angers YOU more, Bill Marriott?
Posted by: Chris | 11/30/2008 at 11:07 PM
This statement reflects a very questionable strategy. As these comments indicate, they're going to boycott anyway. The only way Mariott has to offset the loss is to make friends with the other side, give us a reason seek out a Mariott hotel as an expression of gratitude and as a means to undermine the boycott.
Posted by: Gary | 11/30/2008 at 09:22 PM
I have a gay brother and a gay sister, each of whom has been with their partner for over 30 years -- to deny them the rights of other citizens is obscene.
So I WILL NOT be staying at any of the Marriott chain anytime soon. If Mormons insist on interfering in my family's life, I feel free to give their businesses a wide birth.
Clean up your own house, if you expect me to stay at your hotels.
Posted by: judy brown | 11/27/2008 at 12:34 PM
Dear Former Customer. In one spoiled, and self centered harangue, you've: a)promoted class envy; b)attacked a persons religion; c)confused tolerance, with acceptance; d)discounted the hard work and sacrifices which the Marriotts have endured to create what they have.
Further, GLBT has made incredible if questionable advances in only 25 yrs! You want what you want, and you want it now.
I completely allow for your happiness; however, I am astounded that those against prop. 8 want to devalue my vote as a citizen of California. The old saw your freedom ends where I begin comes to mind.
I refuse to have you try to legislate or promote control of my thoughts and what is sacred to me. End.
Posted by: Michael | 11/27/2008 at 02:25 AM
As someone who worked for Marriott for several years, I can say Marriott has always been accepting and supportive of those in the gay community. There were several gay associates working in all areas of the hotel and most brought their partners to hotel employee functions. I don't know Mr. Marriott's personal views but as an employer, he has been good to the gay community and has offered benefits to gay couples for years.
Posted by: Rudy Bell | 11/26/2008 at 12:49 PM
OK what BIll Marriott believes are two different things! He clearly stated that the Marriott corporation did not in any way donate money to this campaign. So whaat Bill does with his own money is his own buisiness. That would be different if he used marriotts money be he stated that he did not!!!!! so what else do you want?
Posted by: Dallas | 11/25/2008 at 12:55 PM