VAC boycott Firefox
THE Victorian AIDS Council / Gay Men’s Health Centre has joined a growing boycott of products from internet giant Mozilla following the revelation its new chief executive funded a campaign fighting marriage equality.
The Mozilla Foundation, which produces the Firefox web browser, announced on Tuesday that co-founder Brendan Eich 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.
VAC/GMHC has since joined the boycott of Mozilla begun by US app developer Rarebit. Founded by a gay couple who were unable to marry until Proposition 8 was annulled last year, Rarebit has withdrawn all its Mozilla-compatible apps.
VAC/GMHC chief executive Simon Ruth said his organisation was committed to redressing inequality in the community: “Appointing a CEO who openly opposes measures to address equality is in opposition to our organisation’s mission and values.
“Consequently VAC/GMHC has dis-endorsed use of Mozilla on all our computer systems.”
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I strongly support marriage equality. I had a fantastic wedding in New Zealand, even the weather was great. It would be amazing if marriage equality was here in good old Australia. There was a time AIDS, was taking some of my dearest friends. When I picked up a GLBTI paper, I saw familiar faces in memorials. People cared. Their friend was dead. The world was different. I am so glad for many, HIV is now just another manageable health condition. Some of the greatest humbling experiences I ever had, were at Fairfield hospital. I saw friends walk in a give a big hug. I saw a lot of tears and laughter. I saw mums in tears being comforted by non-judgemental staff. I saw nuns rubbing the hands of strangers. VAC volunteers, like me, were taught the importance of being non-judgemental.
I just think the VAC is short sighted here. By going hysterical about someone not supporting equality, it is sending a message to consumers, that they may not be welcome. Not all folk, gay or not, support changing the Marriage Act. Personally, I have met gay couples, who have been together for over 40 wonderful years, and I would like to think if they felt the need, they would not feel judged for accessing the services of the VAC. The VAC is not meant to be a politcal party, but a health service provider, you know, non-judgmental and inclusive.