Dear Speaker Glen Casada,
As member companies of the Sustainable Food Policy Alliance (SFPA), we are writing to convey our
strong opposition to several bills currently being considered by the legislature that would, if passed,
negatively impact LGBTQ Tennesseans. SFPA founding member companies Danone North America,
Mars Incorporated, Nestlé USA, and Unilever United States view this legislation as anti-business and are
disappointed to see the legislature consider discriminatory legislation.
In different ways, each of our member companies have a significant presence in Tennessee, from
maintaining strong manufacturing, administration, research, and development operations in the state, to
Tennesseans enjoying our products on a daily basis. For us, this issue is not political. These policies will
have a harmful impact on business operations and the ability of businesses to recruit and retain talent,
thereby putting Tennessee at a competitive economic disadvantage.
As a core part of our business principles, we firmly believe that all people are equal and that every person
deserves to be treated with respect, dignity, and fairness, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, and veteran status. These principles guide the
way we work, run our businesses, and engage with communities, and they contribute to our strength as
we continually evolve alongside our consumers. We encourage all institutions – companies, governments,
and societies – to act similarly by embracing diversity, practicing acceptance, and respecting each person
as an individual.
One of the reasons we value operating and conducting business in Tennessee is because we believe the
State shares this philosophy – which has resulted in the State of Tennessee being a great place to do
business. We strongly urge you to maintain and strengthen this reputation and respectfully ask you and
the legislature to defeat these anti-business proposals.
Sincerely,