That’s the only conclusion that can be drawn here:
The Salvation Army is threatening to close soup kitchens for tens of thousands of New York’s homeless and walk away from other projects if the city enacts legislation requiring firms that do business with New York to offer health benefits to the partners of gay staffers.
The evangelical faith is prepared to give up the $70 million a year in city funding it receives and pull out of New York entirely the New York Post reports.
With soup kitchens, shelters, foster care programs, and HIV services the Salvation Army is one of the largest private aid groups in New York serving some 5 million people annually.
The Salvation Army has several multiyear contracts with the city totaling $250 million. Six city contracts worth $12.8 million are to expire June 30, by which time the bill may be law.
New York City council overwhelmingly approved the legislation earlier this month, and it is sitting on the desk of mayor Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg is opposed to the bill, even though his own company offers partner benefits. Even if the mayor vetoes the legislation, the support in council is considered sufficient to override it.
An official from the organization is quoted as saying that opposing gayness is a deep theological issue for them. Funny, he doesn’t say that about, you know, helping the poor.
This is a good time to remind readers that when you see the Salvation Army Santas, it’s best to take whatever money you would be inclined to give them and give it instead to a better, more loving organization that does the same work.
[h/t Joe]
UPDATE: Commenter bubbagrump points out that this story is like, super-old. [Jervis! :)]
However, the Salvation Army has not changed its anti-gay policies in the time between then and now, so the general point stands. Give your money to more deserving people who do the same work. Okay? Thanks.
Don’t forget the ‘salvation’ part refers to souls, not saving people from starvation and cold. We know where their hypocritical priorities *really* lie.
Paul asked me if we wanted to give some money to a young lady in a supermarket parking lot. I said loud enough for her to hear: no I do not give money to the salvation army. they are a homophobic organization. I will not give them one dime.
They’re allowed their own opinion. They’ve already done the world a favor by all they’ve done. If you don’t like it go somewhere else. No ones forcing you to give them money.
Oh, were you under the impression this was about “opinions,” Jen? I’m sorry, but no. This is about them following the same rules as everyone else if they want to operate in secular society and receive money from the secular cities in which they operate. No exceptions for people’s silly little superstitions!
uhm… that story is over six years old. was there some new movement, or did someone not check before blindly aggregating?
Holy Crap.
Blame Joe Jervis.
JOE!
;-)
I cringe every time I see the salvation army – they really creep me out.
Whether the story is six years old or six hours old, if they are still operating in N.Y. or anywhere else with the same attitude,we should all think twice about their bell ringers. Give to local organizations that don’t discriminate. Find a shelter to donate to. One that is open to helping all….GLBT and str8 too.
Better yet print some business cards telling them “I’ll be donating to a gay friendly organization from now on, instead of the Salvation Army”, keep them in your wallet to drop in their buckets.
This has been going on a long time…look back to 1984:
http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=79svAAAAIBAJ&sjid=mPsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6553,810052&dq=salvation+army+gay+rights+history&hl=en
http://www.salvationarmykroccenterprotest.com
The Salvation Army is a corrupt organized religious cult! With their own set of doctrines and teachings.
The image and reputation of helping the poor, which was probably earned up into the early 80’s before greed stepped in… is now being bought! While The Salvation Army buys their image as a charity; for the purpose of non-financial disclosure, and the ability to discriminate at will, take cover under a church status.
Most donations are providing for the advancement and livelihood of a Salvationist cult. They use the least amount of “front” money (takes money- to make money) possible to assist those in need; only enough to project that”doing the most good” image so you’ll keep giving. Your dollars are being used more for mass marketing- TV and print ads, lobbyist, attorneys pr-firms and other huge operating cost… Such as, the “officers” all expenses paid- including tax grants, deferred retirement funds with fringe benefits packages; than assisting people in need! The direct services they are so proud of are primarily paid for by the U.S. Government (you and your tax money) through federal programs! And/or state and local funds and grants, The Salvation Army alone received $366 million government dollars in 2008
They want same-gender loving taxpayers to support them, but they are unwilling to reciprocate. Bah Humbug. Our hard-earned dollars are better off going somewhere else. Its a matter of principal.
Hello all and Happy Thanksgiving to those in the U.S.! Does anyone really know if this is still the case today?
Thanks for your help!
Michael
OutMaturity.com
For those of you who wonder if the SA is still holding on to the bigoted values, you can check out this site, I knew I had seen other information somewhere and here it is. IT’s also on my FB profile page Patrick Irish@Facebook.com
http://www.bilerico.com/2010/11/why_you_shouldnt_give_to_the_salvation_army.php
Now I do not agree that they should discriminate. But the problem they are currently having is acknowledging gay marriage. The whole reason this article was put up was they did not want to extend benefits to same sex partners. First did not state Spouse (meaning article could be taken the wrong way IE:My girlfriend doesn’t get benefits from my work but if we are married then she does)
Also Same sex marriage is not legal in New York, but they do acknowledge if they were married out of state. So technically the state itself is the problem seeing as you aren’t allowed to get married but you need to acknowledge that a gay couple is married? kinda contradictory is it not?
I am not saying that you should ignore this but as with most any religion they are set in their ways. The fact that sexual orientation is the focus of this legislation is an actual problem. If you want to fix this word the legislation like this. If any benefits are given to staff they must be given out evenly regardless of race,gender or sexual preference. By focusing your comments to one specific portion of society you lose the strength that lies in having a group behind the new rule. Essentially if you want equality ask for it in a way that makes sure it is equal for everyone!
[...] been walking right on by the Salvation Army’s red kettles this year, mainly due to their threatening to stop help for the homeless in protest of gay equality. And now I won’t feel even the slightest twinge of guilt when I glide on by… there are [...]
[...] worthy organization than this group of prudish fundamentalists. You already knew that they are quite willing to screw the poor if it involves being nice to gay people in any way, shape or form. Now we find out that they [...]
The Salvation Army has been around awhile and probably does some good work. If someone can suggest another group that does the same or better work and is not homophobic, please feel free to share with us.
Totally blown away by the bigotted views, hypocracy & flat-out lies thrown around on this website.
The Salvation Army’s stance goes back to their core-beliefs, which are Bible based.
If you do not believe the Bible to be true, than you will not be in line with what the Salvation Army stands for. Yes, they believe in loving their neighbor, but they also believe in standing up against what they believe to be sin.
If you do not believe what they stand for, than don’t support them but, do not spread lies about a good organization. They do not ask any questions if anyone needs help – that includes religious affiliation, sexual orientation or any other personal lifestyle choices. If anyone needs help, they’ll be there.
@Ritch,
Unless that person is gay. Then they want us to burn in hell.
Oh and gay isn’t a lifestyle choice, in case you were wondering. Your last two sentences make it seem like that’s what you think. And the bigotry? Those are the quotes, dear.
Rich, I know a gay couple who was in desperate times and approached the Salvation army for help. The SA told them they had to end their relationship before they’d help them. The Salvation Army are a bunch of bigots and should be shunned at every oportunity.
I used to always drop dollar bills into the buckets around Christmastime. I used to donate to them for what I thought was good work. Now I donate to groups that don’t promote bigotry.
Just as there are racists, biggots & liars in every organization does not make the organization suspect as much as the people who are in it. As a member of the SA – I absolutely hate that we hire people to run our programs who not only do not believe the way we believe but, most-times do not even belong to the SA. This policy undermines many of our core beliefs and in my mind yokes us unequally with unbelievers or believers with a different world-view.
And, as far as my last two sentences they are what they are – I didn’t hedge on what I believe.
I will not change my stance – nor do I expect you to change yours.
Once again, do not place a judgement on a good organization because you disagree with individuals – you could be accused of bigotry thereby bringing reproach to your alliance – interesting paradox, huh?
I was employed by Salvatiom Army for almost 4 years and as far as charities are concerned, I would suggest donating your $ elsewhere. I was instructed to not feed homeless people who showed up at one of our thrift stores because my manager said they were loitering. One boy, age 18, had run away from an abusive home spent his nights sleeping in our donation area, bundled up with donated clothes and blankets. I fed him and was written up for disorderly conduct. My manager referred to him as being a stray dog that will keep coming back if I feed him. The men in the rehab center are fed sandwiches every day composed of stale bread, expired lunchmeat and frozen expired cheese. They are deprived of any medication including bipolar meds, asthma inhalers, fever reducers, etc. because they believe God will heal ailments with prayer however they sell overpriced cigarettes, soda, and candy inside the center to the men who arent allowed to leave. Most high value donations go into employees’ vehicles. Those who arent of the christian faith or are homosexual are rejected or have to wait weeks or even months for financial assistance. I was even accused of “new age thinking” which ultimately prevented me from a pay raise or promotion. Salvation army believes christianity is the answer, not love so think twice before you give them yours.
I currently work at a Salvation Army Shelter doing intakes and assessments and am in a 10 year relationship with a same-sex partner. Yes I am a full fledged, card carrying homo. The SA has put out an official statement regarding homosexuality, basically saying it is a character defect or diseae. An openly gay person cannot join the corps (why would ya want to anyways? like a person of color joining the KKK)but they can stay in the shelter… IF they are the biological, custodial parent of an underage child who will be staying in the shelter with them and they can NOT be in a same-sex relationship, they must be celibate… by choice… because they have accepted that “they are a big ole sinner and Jesus doesn’t love folks who just do whatever feels good”. That is seriously the tone they take, it’s ridiculous and embarrassing. But I need a job, am desperate, so I work in a hateful church. Tough times all around.