Microsoft may u turn on gay rights

The software company pulled out of supporting the legislation, although sent two of its employees along to advocate the change in the law.

A local preacher told the press that it was all his doing. The Reverend Ken Hutcherson of Antioch Bible Church in Redmond threatened to organise a national boycott of Microsoft products if it continued to support the bill.

As a result many gay and lesbian groups felt that Microsoft had betrayed them under church pressure.

However, in an interview with the Seattle Times, Gates denied that the pastor or anyone else outside the company influenced its decision.

He was surprised by the fierce criticism that followed. Gates added that the next time this issue comes around, chances are that Vole will brave any criticism and continue its support.

Gates said that the company had a lot of mail on the subject from its employees and that was a major factor to take into consideration.

Gates said he and CEO Steve 'a kind of hush' Ballmer both supported the measure personally but, "we won't always pick every issue for the company to have a position on." µ