Salvation Army to Lose Funding Over Domestic Partner Flap

CNSNEWS.com ^ | 6/20/02 | Oubai Shahbandar

[kattracks]

(CNSNews.com) - The Salvation Army of Portland, Maine, is about to lose $60,000 in annual local government funding for refusing to provide health care benefits to the domestic partners of its homosexual employees.

Unless it changes its mind and abides by a city ordinance approved last year, the Portland Salvation Army will lose the funding as of July 1. The army, which has been using the money to fund its meals on wheels program for the elderly, denies it discriminates against homosexual employees. Domestic partners of its heterosexual workers also do not receive health care benefits, according to the Salvation Army.

The Portland City Council approved an ordinance in May of last year requiring all city-funded community organizations to provide health benefits to the domestic partners of homosexual employees. At the same time, the council rejected an amendment that would have exempted religious organizations like the Salvation Army from the new regulation.

City Councilman James Cloutier, a supporter of the homosexual partner ordinance, said if the Salvation Army wants to receive funding from the city, "it's going to come with strings attached."

"Portland has a well established element of non-discrimination ... and this is simply a requirement that we have that all organizations that receive public funds are not allowed to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation," Cloutier said.

The Portland Salvation Army has used the $60,000 from the city to help deliver approximately 180 meals a day to the elderly and to help operate a senior center used by about 60 people a day that offers a wide array of craft-making and recreational activities.

Repeated telephone calls to the Salvation Army, seeking comment for this story, were not returned.

E-mail a news tip to Oubai Shahbandar.

Send a Letter to the Editor about this article.

 

[Tourist Guy]

Hail Ceasar?

[peteram]

. The army, which has been using the money to fund its meals on wheels program for the elderly, denies it discriminates against homosexual employees. Domestic partners of its heterosexual workers also do not receive health care benefits, according to the Salvation Army.

BINGO!

So I guess the city of Portland would rather see hundreds of elderly and home-bound people starve?

[RJCogburn]

The loss of government funding, even for a good organization as SA does not bother me a bit.

[Agent Smith]

"So I guess the city of Portland would rather see hundreds of elderly and home-bound people starve?"

That seems to be exactly what they are saying. This is incredibly outrageous for this early in the morning. Socialist scum never sleep and need to be opposed at every turn. Where is my torch and pitch fork?

[gonzo]

"...The loss of government funding, even for a good organization as SA does not bother me a bit. .."

Amen, Rooster! We support the SA, personally, every year.

I didn't say a word about the homos...........FRegards

[xJones]

So I guess the city of Portland would rather see hundreds of elderly and home-bound people starve?

You nailed that one. The homosexual agenda is more important.

[Lois]

So, even though the SA doesn't give health care bennies to its other employees, they are being forced to give them to a select few. ...........it's down the rabbit hole we go folks....

[gaspar]

When the domestic partner law was tabled last year in Portland it was predicted that this would happen. The irony is that invariably homosexuals lead a life of promiscuity, whether in Portland or San Francisco. It is a halmark of the herd. Thus the term "domestic partner" is, in reality, a black joke.

[SolomonSemperFi]

Here we see another example of the liberals "sticking it" to those who serve the community. If I were a rich man I would assist in a lawsuit that would drain the coffers of this city, but alas I am not. I am outraged that our city is engaged in blackmail and discrimination. I am very alarmed that our senior citizens will suffer as a result of some idiots need to be "politically correct".

Here we see the Salvation Army, which does not offer insurance to hetero domestic partners, being coerced by elected officials who's morality and values do not reflect the rank and file of the city they supposedly govern.

America is falling down the trap door of liberal socialism and it appears that Portland is leading the way.

[Frumious Bandersnatch]

"Portland has a well established element of non-discrimination ... and this is simply a requirement that we have that all organizations that receive public funds are not allowed to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation," Cloutier said

Lessee now, the SA doesn't provide any health benefits to the domestic partners of its employees - heterosexual or otherwise.  Cloutier wants them to give health benefits to homosexuals, then says that Portland is non-discriminatory.  What's so non-discriminatory about discriminating against heterosexuals?