CEO of Firefox maker Mozilla steps down

Brett Molina | news

Mozilla CEO Brendan Eich will step down following uproar over his apparent opposition to gay marriage.

In a statement released Thursday, Mozilla — which makes the Firefox Web browser — apologized for not reacting more quickly to the controversy surrounding Eich, who made a 2008 donation supporting California's ban on gay marriage, The Guardian reports.

"We know why people are hurt and angry, and they are right: It's because we haven't stayed true to ourselves," said Mozilla Executive Chairwoman Mitchell Baker in a statement. "We have employees with a wide diversity of views. Our culture of openness extends to encouraging staff and community to share their beliefs and opinions in public. This is meant to distinguish Mozilla from most organizations and hold us to a higher standard. But this time we failed to listen, to engage and to be guided by our community."

Last week, Eich attempted to dispel fears on whether he would support equality as the head of Mozilla. "I can only ask for your support to have the time to 'show, not tell;' and in the meantime, express my sorrow at having caused pain," said Eich in a blog post on March 26. "I am committed to ensuring that Mozilla is, and will remain, a place that includes and supports everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, ethnicity, economic status or religion."

The online dating site OKCupid urged a boycott, calling on users of Mozilla's Firefox browser to switch to a different browser in protest.

In response to Eich's move, GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said that, "Mozilla's strong statement in favor of equality today reflects where Corporate America is: inclusive, safe and welcoming to all."

Baker says Mozilla will have more on its future and plans to replace Eich next week. "While painful, the events of the last week show exactly why we need the Web — so all of us can engage freely in the tough conversations we need to make the world better," she says. "We will emerge from this with a renewed understanding and humility — our large, global and diverse community is what makes Mozilla special, and what will help us fulfill our mission."

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @bam923.