The Barilla pasta company has announced that it’s taking steps improve its image on LGBT equality following its chairman’s comments about LGBT-headed households.
According to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Barilla has set up a Diversity & Inclusion Board in order to establish goals and strategies for improving diversity and equality in the company’s workplace, in addition to participating in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.
“Diversity, inclusion and equality have long been grounded in Barilla’s culture, values and code of conduct. They are reflected in our policies and the benefits we provide to all employees, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation,” said Chief Executive Officer Claudio Colzani in a statement. “At the same time, we are committed to promoting diversity further because we firmly believe that it’s the right thing to do.”
Recently, Chairman Guido Barilla made headlines and prompted several boycotts after he said on an Italian radio show that he would not consider using a same-sex couple in an advertisement.
The chairman told the radio host that he believes LGBT-headed households do not reflect a “classic family where the woman plays fundamental role; and, “If gays don’t like it, they can go eat another brand.”
The Corporate Equality Index is a national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT employees.
