The questions seems to be, is an organization legally permitted to protect itself from economic damage by terminating the employment of publically identified individuals irritating substantial groups of potential customers. Given that radio or television personalities are regularly terminated for making "politically incorrect" remarks that "offend" groups of potential listeners or viewers, i.e. customers, the answer clearly seems to be yes in the USA. Is the situation different in Canada?
Van,
I've never seen an executive's contract, but I'm willing to bet most contain some kind of coverage for public statements/acts that damage the company, thus allowing termination and probably penalties of negotiated perks/bonus' etc..
