Halliburton – Implement Sexual Orientation Nondiscrimination Policy (2005 – 2006)

Outcome: Successfully Withdrawn

WHEREAS: Halliburton does not explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation in its written employment policy;
Our competitors FMC and Bechtel explicitly prohibit this form of discrimination in their written policies, according to the Human Rights Campaign;
Over 84% of the Fortune 500 companies have adopted written nondiscrimination policies prohibiting harassment and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, as have more than 98% of the Fortune 100 companies, according to the Human Rights Campaign;
We believe that corporations that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation have a competitive advantage in recruiting and retaining employees from the widest talent pool;
National public opinion polls consistently find more than three quarters Americans support equal rights in the workplace for gay men, lesbians and bisexuals.
According to a September 2005 survey by Harris Interactive and Witeck-Combs, 57% of heterosexual respondents consider it extremely or very important that a company have a written non- discrimination policy that includes sexual orientation, compared to only 43% in 2002. Additionally, only 47% believe that senior executives at their companies welcome, hire, and encourage a diverse workforce.
A March 2003 Gallup poll found 88% of respondents favored equal opportunity in employment for gays and lesbians.
Minneapolis, San Francisco, Seattle and Los Angeles have adopted legislation restricting business with companies that do not guarantee equal treatment for lesbian and gay employees; Our company has operations in, and makes sales to institutions in states and cities that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation;
Sixteen states, the District of Columbia and more than 178 cities and counties (includingHouston), have laws prohibiting employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, and in Houston, at least 30 major employers have sexual orientation nondiscrimination policies and 25grant same-sex domestic partner benefits (see www.hrc.org/worknet);

RESOLVED: The Shareholders request that Halliburton amend its written equal employment opportunity policy to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and to substantially implement the policy.
SUPPORTING STATEMENT
Employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation diminishes employee morale and productivity. Because state and local laws are inconsistent with respect to employment discrimination, our company would benefit from a consistent, corporate wide policy to enhance efforts to prevent discrimination, resolve complaints internally, and ensure a respectful and supportive atmosphere for all employees. Halliburton will enhance its competitive edge by joining the growing ranks of companies guaranteeing equal opportunity for all employees.