DaimlerChrysler Statement Refuting Advocacy Position for the Michigan Marriage Protection Amendment

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 20 -- The following is a statement from DaimlerChrysler refuting advocacy position for the Michigan Marriage Protection Amendment:

DaimlerChrysler demonstrates its commitment to diversity every day through its hiring practices, minority supplier sourcing and contributions to various charitable organizations. Today, 30 percent of our workforce is diverse, $3 billion was spent with minority suppliers (proportionately among the highest in the industry) and the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund provided more than $22 million in charitable contributions in 2003.

As part of DaimlerChrysler's support of diversity, we did provide funds to Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) through the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund. These operational funds were designated for five very specific education and awareness programs. DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund did not authorize or endorse PFLAG's use of those funds for advertising or to support any type of legislative or political issue.

In fact, contributions for political advocacy is a clear violation of the Internal Revenue Service's tax laws covering 501(c) 3 organizations, such as the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund. We fully expect PFLAG to redirect the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund grant to one of the five agreed-upon education and awareness programs for which the funds were designated or return the grant to the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Additional information and news from DaimlerChrysler is available on the Internet at: www.media.daimlerchrysler.com .