Apple has donated $100,000 to fight Prop 8, the California ballot initiative that would ban gay marriage.  The computer company, known for its iconic iPod, iPhone and sleek user friendly laptops, is publicly showing support for gay marriage and was among the first California companies to offer equal rights and benefits to their employees’ same-sex partners. Apple said in a press release:

We strongly believe that a person’s fundamental rights — including the right to marry — should not be affected by their sexual orientation. Apple views this as a civil rights issue, rather than just a political issue, and is therefore speaking out publicly against Proposition 8.

 This action flies in the face of the Yes on 8 campaign which is attempting to blackmail same-sex marriage supporters by threatening to out them.