by Regina Griggs, Executive Director of Parents and Friends of Ex-gays and Gays

Burbank, CA — The Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) has directed the Walt Disney Company to accept a shareholder resolution requesting the inclusion of ex-gays in Disney’s sexual orientation policies and corporate diversity programs. Disney had opposed the ex-gay resolution and asked the SEC for permission to exclude it from stockholder consideration.

“Like many corporations, Disney implements mandatory diversity training for employees that emphasizes gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgenders, but fails to include ex-gays,” said Regina Griggs, executive director of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX). “It is a serious omission both for the ex-gay community and their supporters.”

“Employees who support the ex-gay community are not welcomed to express their views and fear they would be forced to undergo sensitivity training because they support former homosexuals,” said Griggs. “Ex-gays are forced to remain closeted because they are not protected by diversity policies and are subjected to open disapproval by others in the workplace. The inclusion of ex-gays will cost Disney nothing to implement and would provide true diversity and respect in the workplace.”

The resolution cites a recent judicial decision issued by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. In that case, brought by PFOX, the Court ruled that former homosexuals are a protected class that must be recognized under DC’s sexual orientation non-discrimination laws. The Court held that sexual orientation does not require immutable characteristics.

“Disney should treat ex-gays and their friends with the respect they deserve,” said Bobbie Strobhar, the stockholder who submitted the shareholder resolution. “We need more of these resolutions nationwide to assure tolerance and safety in the workplace for the ex-gay community and their supporters.”

First posted January 13, 2010 on the PFOX website