Firefox rocked by new anti-marriage equality chief

INTERNET giant Mozilla is facing a boycott of its popular Firefox web browser, and a social media backlash from its own staff, after its new chief executive this week admitted funding campaigns fighting marriage equality.

The Mozilla Foundation announced on Tuesday (March 24) that co-founder Brendan Eich (pictured) would become its new chief.

However, the announcement made no mention of the $1000 donation he had made to the Proposition 8 campaign to ban same-sex marriage.

Angry Mozilla employees have since taken to Twitter to demand Eich’s resignation.

Project leader, Chris McAvoy, tweeted that while Mozilla stood for empowerment it was doing the opposite by promoting Eich:

I’m an employee of @mozilla and I’m asking @brendaneich to step down as CEO.

— Chris McAvoy (@chmcavoy) March 27, 2014

The sentiment was echoed by other employees, including Chloe Varelidi who said the appointment was “deeply disappointing”.

Have waited too long to say this. I’m an employee of @mozilla and I’m asking @brendaneich to step down as CEO.

— Chloe Varelidi (@varelidi) March 27, 2014

Meanwhile, app developer Rarebit has chosen to boycott Mozilla and remove all its Firefox-compatible programs.

Founded by a gay couple, who have married since Proposition 8 was annulled, chief executive Hampton Caitlin said: “We morally cannot support a Foundation that would not only leave someone with hateful views in power, but will give them a promotion and put them in charge of the entire organization.”

Mozilla Foundation chair Mitchell Baker admitted she was “surprised when [Eich’s] donation came to light”.

However, she had no qualms with Eich’s promotion.

“My experience is that Brendan is as committed to opportunity and diversity inside Mozilla as anyone, and more so than many,” Baker said.

Yesterday, Eich tried to reassure employees that policies promoting equality would remain in place.

On his personal blog, he said: “I know some will be skeptical about this, and that words alone will not change anything.

“I can only ask for your support to have the time to “show, not tell”; and in the meantime express my sorrow at having caused pain.”

Despite this, Eich made no mention of his financial support for Proposition 8 or his current views on marriage equality.