[MrZongle2]

Unfortunately, he did have to.

Eich holds an opinion that, while apparently shared with the majority of Californian voters (as per Prop 8 results), is deeply unpopular with segments of the technical population.

These are some of the folks who will help promote and test Mozilla's future releases. They are part of Mozilla's customer base. He had to apologize, because these days holding a politically incorrect opinion is unacceptable.

And as demonstrated in this very thread, even his apology isn't enough for some.

[jkelsey]

It wasn't even a apology. He's just highlighted Mozilla's stance on diversity and inclusion, which is good and deserves some credit. However, the facts about this situation remain the same: 1. He donated a large amount of money to a effort to remove a civil right from a certain subset of Californians based on nothing more than their sexual preference. 2. He has not signaled any regret for doing that. That is reprehensible.

Mozilla is a wonderful organization, and I'll continue to use Firefox. I don't know if I'll be so willing to donate to the foundation as much anymore. The actions of one person shouldn't ruin all that Mozilla stands for. Regardless, Brendan Eich has tarnished his otherwise amazing reputation with donation to Prop 8 and his unwillingness to admit any wrongdoing. Mozilla's has also done the same to their own reputation by making him CEO.

[jedanbik]

Why is this unfortunate? I don't understand your perspective.

[MrZongle2]

It is unfortunate because even though Mozilla has nothing specifically to do with LGBT issues and Eich has not publicly opined on the subject in the capacity of a Mozilla employee, he must now apologize for having an opinion.

Let me repeat that: Eich is apologizing for his opinion.

Not his actions as Mozilla CEO or even as an employee.

The response from some quarters to punish his deviation from what some parties have declared "acceptable" is breathtaking. It has all the makings of Stalinesque purge with a Web 2.0 twist. Given the subject itself and how so recently it was considered "abnormal" and "unacceptable", I find the whole episode tragically ironic.

I have no problem with gay marriage. But I am revulsed by the mob screaming for blood due to Eich's thoughtcrime on this matter.

[jedanbik]

I disagree with your core premise because a political contribution is more than an opinion or a thought. It is an action as well as an endorsement.