Micron policy change a mistake

IDAHO VALUES ALLIANCE

PRESS RELEASE

May 2, 2007

To: News Desks/Assignment Editors

Contact: Bryan Fischer (208) 841-2546

Executive Director, Idaho Values Alliance

www.idahovaluesalliance.com

bryan@idahovaluesalliance.com

IVA CRITICAL OF MICRON DECISION ON “SEXUAL ORIENTATION”

Boise, ID – The Idaho Values Alliance today expressed deep concern over Micron’s decision to bow to shareholder pressure and add “sexual orientation” to its employee discrimination policy.

“It’s always a mistake for a major company to grant this kind of approval and sanction for sexual behavior which has such severe health consequences,” said Bryan Fischer, Executive Director of the Idaho Values Alliance.

He went on, “When the Centers for Disease Control tell us that almost 50% of AID victims in the United States are men who have sex with men, the last thing responsible corporations should be doing is granting special recognition to those who practice this lifestyle.”

The IVA has further concerns about what this will mean for Micron employees who have a sincerely held religious belief that homosexual behavior is sinful and contrary to nature.

Said Fischer, “Typically, ‘sexual orientation’ policies are used to intimidate pro-family employees into keeping their opinions to themselves, or punishing them for creating a ‘hostile work environment’ if they don’t, while pro-gay employees are free to openly promote acceptance of the homosexual lifestyle. We need assurances from Micron that Christian, Jewish, and Muslim employees will be able to express their sincerely held religious beliefs on matters of human sexuality without fear of retribution.”

Of further concern is the fact that Micron does not define “sexual orientation.” The American Psychiatric Association has identified at least 30 different varieties of sexual expression, of which heterosexuality and homosexuality are just two. Also on the APA’s list of sexual orientations are such things as bisexuality, gender identity disorders, transgenderism, and transsexualism. “This naturally raises the question about which ‘sexual orientation’ will be the next to seek protection under Micron’s umbrella,” said Fischer. “Micron has not told us where it’s going to draw the line, and the public has a right to some answers here.”

Concluded Fischer, “We’ve applauded Micron in the past for standing firm on this issue, and it’s a shame to see the company capitulate to public pressure on an issue of such significance. Micron has been a fabulous member of the Boise community for a long time, and done more for our economy and Idaho families than any other private employer. We now expect Micron to demonstrate its continued good will by ensuring that its work environment is as safe for pro-family employees as it is for pro-gay employees.”

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