Have you heard? Mormon-led Marriott International is one of the first large US corporations to join an HRC coalition to repeal the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

Here’s what Marriott’s David Rodriguez said about joining the coalition: “We are proud of our longstanding commitment to diversity, inclusion and equal treatment of all our employees within our benefits programs…Joining the business coalition for DOMA repeal affirms that commitment.”

In December, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who has donated to pro-Proposition 8 groups,  re-joined Marriott’s board.

A story in the LA Times includes quotes from Bill Marriott on why he does not mix his personal views on marriage (man-woman only) with the operations of his business. “We have to take care of our people, regardless of their sexual orientation or anything else,” said Marriott in a recent interview. Bloomberg reports that 13 other large corporations, including San Jose-based eBay and Redwood City-based Electronic Arts have also joined the coalition. San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels has also joined in.

Does this change your mind about Marriott? Have you avoided staying at the various Marriott brands (such as Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Courtyard, Residence Inn) due to its deep connections to the Mormon Church? Please leave your comments below.

–Chris McGinnis