Exxon holders to vote on gay discrimination ban

DALLAS — Exxon Mobil shareholders are voting on measures to explicitly ban discrimination against gays and to reduce production of greenhouse gas emissions.

Exxon’s annual meeting used to draw dozens of protesters from environmental and human-rights groups, but there was only a lone demonstrator outside as the meeting began Wednesday in an ornate symphony hall.

A retirement fund for New York state employees is proposing that Exxon ban bias based on sexual orientation. The Exxon board opposes the measure, saying that the company already prohibits all types of discrimination and doesn’t need to add language regarding gays.

Last year, shareholders rejected a similar anti-bias measure and another on climate change.

Exxon Mobil Corp. is coming off its second-biggest profit ever, having earned $44.9 billion in 2012.