US corporate gay-friendly tests

The latest edition of an annual study of corporate America's outreach to LGBT employees and consumers shows that a record number of major US companies now offer fair benefits and protections.

In the Human Rights Campaign's new Corporate Equality Index, 138 businesses earned the top rating of 100 percent, up from 101 in 2005 - and executives' awareness of their ratings is apparently up as well.

"I am incredibly encouraged and optimistic about the findings in this report," Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campain, said in a written statement.

The full report, together with past years' versions, can be read on the group's website.