Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Why People Should Not Give to the Salvation Army

As we move into the holidays, it is appropriate to again remember that one should walk past the Salvation Army's collection kettles without tossing in any form of contribution. The organization is decidedly discriminatory against LGBT citizens and vigorously endorse the deprivation of equal civil rights to LGBT Americans. I have made a point now for years to toss any mailings I receive from the Salvation Army directly into the trash and I most certainly do not throw coins or bills into the collection kettles all to frequently found in front of various shopping outlets. Bil Browning has a piece at The Bilerico Project that underscores why the Salvation Army should be shunned by LGBT individuals and their straight allies. Bigotry needs to carry a financial price. There are plenty of non-discriminatory charities that are far more deserving of your money and other contributions. Here are highlights from Bil's piece:
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In case you've forgotten, the holiday season is fast upon us. That means the Salvation Army bell ringers will be out in full force dunning shoppers for donations meant to help the needy and destitute. Unfortunately, the Salvation Army won't assist everyone - only those they deem sufficiently worthy.
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While many think of the group as just another charity, in truth the group is a religious sect that is notoriously anti-gay; you shouldn't give to the Salvation Army this holiday season if you support gay rights.
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Check out the video . . . for a laundry list of anti-gay policies and positions the Salvation Army has taken. You'll probably be shocked - and you definitely won't put any more coins in those big red buckets.


1 comment:

Tempest Nightingale LeTrope said...

I just spread a link to this post on my Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, and Typepad accounts. I may be a straight white female who was born that way and is okay with it, but I do not believe in discrimination against my brothers and sisters of whatever race, religion, or sexual orientation, whether they are transgendered or born in the gender they prefer.
I am continually impressed by your work. You are very prolific and a man of great courage.
If you do participate in the Thanksgiving celebration, I wish a good one to you and your family.