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Marriott Honored with Global Vision Award for Inclusive Immigration Advocacy


WEBWIRE

National group fighting for LGBT equality in U.S. immigration law applauds company’s support.

NEW YORK CITY – Marriott International, Inc. has been honored with a Global Vision Award by Immigration Equality, a national organization fighting for equality under U.S. immigration law for LGBT and HIV-positive individuals. The award was presented at Immigration Equality’s 2013 Safe Haven Awards ceremony, and recognizes Marriott’s impassioned advocacy in support of legislation that would provide same-sex couples full access to U.S. immigration benefits.


“We do not consider immigration reform to be truly ‘comprehensive’ unless it includes the families of all our associates, gay or straight,” said Kathleen Matthews, chief global communications and public affairs officer, when accepting the award for Marriott. “The fact that our employees in legally recognized same-sex relationships still cannot secure proper immigration status for their partners is not only wrong, but also hampers Marriott’s ability to recruit and retain valuable talent in the U.S.”

Since 2011, Marriott has been a member of the Business Coalition for the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), a group of 30 leading national companies calling on Congress to end discrimination against LGBT families in the U.S. immigration system. UAFA would undo provisions of federal law that currently prevent recognition of same-sex relationships in the immigration process. Lobbying by Coalition members has helped generate bipartisan support for UAFA in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

Receiving a Global Vision Award alongside Marriott was Intel Corp., a fellow member of the Coalition. Thomas Maloney, director of government affairs, recently co-authored an editorial with an Intel colleague that outlines the challenges LGBT families and their employers face under current immigration law. “Marriott has found a formula for success in putting its people first, removing barriers and fostering an inclusive workplace,” said Maloney, who has led Marriott’s UAFA advocacy during Congress’s most recent immigration reform debate. “We are hopeful that our immigration laws will soon acknowledge that policies promoting LGBT equality are simply good for business.”

Rachel Tiven, executive director of Immigration Equality, recognized Marriott for “going above and beyond in its support of binational LGBT couples by reaching out to numerous lawmakers to make the case that international companies need the protections in UAFA to run their businesses successfully. We honor Marriott for the company’s willingness to take a stand on behalf of our families.”

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 74 countries and territories. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

For more information, connect with thomas.maloney@marriott.com.



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