GOOGLE TO COMPENSATE GAY EMPLOYEES

Google has announced that it will be compensating its LGBT employees for US federal tax laws that discriminate against same-sex couples due to the fact that these relationships are not legally recognised.

The online giant made the announcement in a statement celebrating gay Pride and the participation of its staff in Pride parades around the world.

“Google will be grossing-up imputed taxes on health insurance benefits for all same-sex domestic partners in the United States, retroactive to January 1, 2010,” said the company.

Starting this month, it will also be providing the equivalent benefits of the Family and Medical Leave Act for all same-sex domestic partners.

“It will cost some money, but it was more about doing the right thing,” Laszlo Bock, Google’s vice president for people operations told the New York Times.

“Google supports its LGBT employees in many ways: raising its voice in matters of policy, taking a moment to remember the plight of transgender people around the world and going the extra mile to ensure that its employees are treated fairly,” said the company.