WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, the business voice of the LGBT community, called upon LGBT-certified businesses and other supporters to applaud the work of Wells Fargo to promote equality, especially as the financial institution faces criticism.
The criticism comes from Franklin Graham, who has asked followers to boycott Wells Fargo after the bank featured a lesbian couple in an ad. He is also closing the Well Fargo accounts of his father’s ministry.
“Almost every major financial institution, along with most Fortune 500 companies, are on the path toward inclusive LGBT policies. Franklin Graham’s decision is wrong-headed, especially when we see so many corporations joining Wells Fargo in wanting to ensure every family, including LGBT families, has equal opportunities to succeed. America works best when we all work together,” says Justin Nelson, co-founder & president, NGLCC.
Wells Fargo is an NGLCC Founding Corporate Partner. It is also the title sponsor of the Supplier Innovation Center, an education center designed to engage learners and inspire change. The center, located in Washington, D.C., allows for business development, continuing education and professional growth.
For over a decade the company has worked closely with NGLCC to provide small business guidance, programs and resources to LGBT business owners. Wells Fargo recently furthered its commitment by contributing to the NGLCC Foundation, which supports the center’s operation, NGLCC Global, Chambers Training Institute and other initiatives.
NGLCC is the exclusive national third party certification provider for those businesses that qualify as LGBT Business Enterprises. NGLCC certification is accepted by over 150 corporations including public utility corporations.
