Coca-Cola pushes for gay rights

The Coca-Cola Company has issued a statement saying it does not support legislation that tramples the rights of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered people in any society.

The statement titled: ‘The Coca-Cola Company Statement on Importance of Equal Rights for LGBT Community’ said: “The Coca-Cola Company has joined hundreds of businesses and organisations in opposing legislation that discriminates against the LGBT community. Coca-Cola stands for diversity, inclusion and equality and we will continue opposing discrimination anywhere.”

The Coca-Cola Company said it “does not support legislation that discriminates”.

“We believe policies that discriminate are contrary to our Company’s core values and also negatively affect the lives of our associates, consumers, customers, suppliers, and partners. As a global Company, we strive for diversity, inclusion and equality in our business and support these rights in society.

“The Coca-Cola Company will never condone intolerance or discrimination of any kind. We commit to continuing our work to respectfully advocate for diversity, inclusion, and equality through our policies and practices in the United States and around the globe,” the world’s number one beverage firm said.

The New York Stock Exchange-listed firm is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands and more than 3,800 beverage choices. Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world’s most valuable and recognisable brands, the company’s portfolio features 20 billion-dollar brands, 18 of which are available in reduced-, low- or no-calorie options.

Its billion-dollar brands include Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, Fanta, Sprite, Dasani, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Del Valle, Georgia and Gold Peak. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, Coca-Cola are the No. 1 provider of both sparkling and still beverages. More than 1.9 billion servings of Coca-Cola’s beverages are enjoyed by consumers in more than 200 countries each day.

With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, Coca-Cola Company is focused on initiatives that reduce its environmental footprint, create a safe, inclusive work environment for its associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where it operates. Together with its bottling partners, Coca-Cola rank among the world’s top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates.