Tech group backs Log Cabin Republicans

A trade group representing major tech companies is now backing Log Cabin Republicans.

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) — which includes Google, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Netflix and Samsung — announced Monday that it is financially supporting the organization for gay and lesbian conservatives and allies.

{mosads}Previously, the CEA’s involvement in public policy issues affecting the tech sector has included immigration reform, intellectual property protections, increasing Internet access and energy efficiency in consumer electronics.

CEA President Gary Shapiro said his association supports Log Cabin Republicans because it wants “lawmakers and policies that recognize the economic value of hiring the best and brightest minds, regardless of sexual orientation.”

According to the announcement, the CEA is the first tech trade group to financially support Log Cabin Republicans’ national chapter.

“If we’re going to continue to be the world’s leader in innovation moving forward, members of Congress and state legislators must understand that our businesses need to attract the best people available,” Shapiro said in a statement.

“Just as our current immigration policies inhibit efforts to keep international talent here in America, any policies seen as inhospitable to gay people will choke U.S. job creation and the economy as a whole.”