Carnival Recognized for Commitment to LGBTQ Community

Image: PHOTO: Holland America Line and Carnival's other brands are going the extra mile to support an inclusive, diverse environment. (photo courtesy of Holland America Line)
Image: PHOTO: Holland America Line and Carnival's other brands are going the extra mile to support an inclusive, diverse environment. (photo courtesy of Holland America Line)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 4:15 PM ET, Mon April 30, 2018

Carnival Corporation continues to raise the bar when it comes to the treatment of LGBTQ consumers, investors and employees.

The world's largest leisure travel company announced Monday it has earned a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Corporate Equality Index (CEI) for the second consecutive year.

The HRC is the largest LGBTQ civil rights organization in the U.S. and this marks the fifth time that Carnival has been recognized in the CEI report. Scores are based on detailed criteria in four key categories: non-discrimination policies across business entities; equitable benefits for LGBTQ workers and their families; internal education and accountability metrics to promote LGBTQ inclusion competency; and public commitment to LGBTQ equality.

The achievement is a timely one for the cruise company as its 2020 sustainability goals include a commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Some of Carnival's notable recent efforts to accommodate and support the LGBTQ community include hosting the 2017 Annual Seattle Men's and Women's Chorus Gala Dinner on Holland America Line; participating in the Florida Businesses for a Competitive Workforce coalition to end LGBTQ discrimination and serving as a supporting member of the National LGBTQ Task Force and the San Diego LGBT Community Center through Holland America Line.

The company has also participated in and sponsored annual Pride events such as the Seattle Pride Parade and Southampton Pride.

"Being recognized by the largest LGBTQ civil rights organization in the U.S. underscores our ongoing commitment to equality, inclusion, and diversity," said Jerry Montgomery, chief human resources officer for Carnival Corporation. "This perfect score reflects our efforts to promote a positive work environment for our more than 120,000 employees from over 100 countries that work with great passion to provide extraordinary vacation experiences for our guests."

"Carnival Corporation actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion-a commitment that not only is a core value, but also promotes a productive environment for innovation and leadership that helps provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace. We are thrilled to continue to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign."

In addition to the HRC, Carnival has partnered with the Executive Leadership Council, Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility, Catalyst, Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics and CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion.

Earlier this month, Carnival spoke out regarding the ongoing same-sex marriage controversy in Bermuda.


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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