Amtrak offering gay passengers a ‘ride with pride’

{mosads}The promotion is being compared to recent attention fast-food restaurant Chick-fil-a has drawn after its owner said publicly that he did not support same-sex marriage. Eating at the chain has since become a political statement, as conservatives organized a Chick-Fil-A appreciation day, and gay and lesbian groups countered by encouraging same-sex couples to kiss in front of the restaurant’s counters.

Amtrak does not make any statements about gay marriage on its Ride With Pride website, but the agency said, “[T]here are many components that may define business diversity.

“We understand that valuing diversity is not only a good thing to do, but a business necessity beyond compliance that plays a vital role in customer service delivery and ultimately the success of our operations,” Amtrak said. “Simply put, our business diversity philosophy means commitment to ensuring our company embraces a culture of respect and appreciation for differences and similarities of all people.”