Google executive Jacqueline Fuller has stepped down from the board of Christian charity, World Vision, which first announced it would hire gay people in same-sex marriages then reneged on its decision after facing backlash from conservatives.
Fuller, director of giving at Google, says she resigned because she opposed the charity’s decision to exclude married gay employees, Pink News reports.
The online social justice group, Faithful America, had launched a petition calling on Fuller and Google colleague John Park to resign from the charity’s board, citing the tech corporation’s support of gay marriage. The group says more than 16,000 people have signed the petition.
Faithful America director Michael Sherrard says World Vision is “distorting Christian faith to pursue a right-wing anti-gay agenda,” and hailed Fuller’s decision to step down.
“As one of the most prominent Christian charities in the world, their decision to allow gay and lesbian employees was a major step forward, and their quick reversal a painful punch in the gut to those of us who believe Christians are obligated to speak out for equality and dignity for all,” Sherrard says in a statement. “Jacquelline Fuller did the right thing by resigning from the board of an organization whose values don’t align with Google’s commitment to inclusivity and equality. Now it’s time for John Park to follow suit.”
World Vision has a presence in about 100 countries, providing disaster relief and other forms of assistance, and brings in revenue to the tune of $2.79 billion.
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