MICROSOFT HOMOPHOBIA LAWSUIT SETTLED

James Durrant, a gay games developer working for Microsoft in London, who sued the multi-billion dollar company for homophobic harassment in the office by his workmates, has settled the case.

Durrant’s colleagues reportedly sent emails mocking his sexuality around the office.

Some of the emails were headed “I’m Jim and I’m Gay”, “Me and My Favorite Men” and “Ladies Are Bad.” He was also described as “Fag boy Jim” on an email which was displayed on the lunchroom wall.

Durrant noted in his complaint to the labour tribunal that the company did nothing despite his numerous complaints about his harassment.

The matter was settled this week at an employment tribunal. However details of the agreement have not been released due to a confidentiality clause.

A Microsoft spokesman said: “The terms of the settlement are confidential, but we can confirm that Mr. Durrant will not continue his employment at Lionhead as part of the agreement.

“Microsoft has a longstanding commitment to diversity. We attract, recruit and respect diverse talent and we have included sexual orientation in our anti-discrimination policies for 20 years. Our efforts have been recognised by a wide range of groups, including the Human Rights Campaign Foundation in its 2009 Corporate Equality Index. We do not tolerate breaches of our code of business conduct and take any complaints extremely seriously.