Human Rights Campaign Names Marriott a "Best Place to Work" for LGBT Equality

BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Global lodging leader, Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) today was named among America's top corporations for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality, by earning a perfect 100% score on the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) 2014 Corporate Equality Index (CEI).

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The Index rankings are based on factors such as non-discrimination policies inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity, benefits for same-sex spouses and domestic partners, appropriate and respectful advertising, and external community outreach. For a list of all corporations measured on the CEI benchmark, visit www.hrc.org.

"Marriott understands that a global hospitality leader must create the environment where all people are respected, valued and provided with opportunities to succeed," said David Rodriguez, Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Diversity Executive, Marriott International. "We aim high to make all of our customers, associates, families, suppliers and owners feel equally welcomed and comfortable, and that's why this distinction from the Human Rights Campaign is so meaningful to us."

Marriott joined 277 other corporations on a Supreme Court amicus brief to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) this year. The company is a proud sponsor of LGBT rights advocacy groups and its hotels frequently host galas and events on behalf of the HRC, PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians & Gays), the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, among others. Marriott is committed to having diverse suppliers including LGBT businesses as part of its supply chain and is a supporting member of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

Last year, Marriott's innovative LGBT marketing campaign, "Be You, With Us," was nominated by GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) for its prestigious Amplifier Award. (Note: To see examples of this campaign and to learn more, please visit www.marriott.com/gaytravel, available to visitors in five languages.)

Marriott has consistently been recognized for its outstanding workplace and diversity and inclusion programs.  For a comprehensive list of accomplishments, click Awards and Recognition. 

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. 

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.