Is the Salvation Army a hate group organization?

MrFun · December 31, 2003, 15:36

I had lunch with another friend of mine today, and he mentioned that he read a news article on gay.com about how the Salvation Army will refuse to give charitable help to anyone who is known to be gay or lesbian.

When is it appropritate to tell others your sexual orientation is a whole separate issue that can be for another separate thread.

My question here is that if the Salvation Army is indeed homophobic, then it's basically a hate organization, isn't it?

JohnT · December 31, 2003, 15:39

"If" is a highly speculative term to be throwing such accusations about, dontcha think?

The Mad Monk · December 31, 2003, 15:40

I'll probably answer in a minute, as soon as I finish wrapping my brain around "gay.com"

alva · December 31, 2003, 15:41

Hmm, no, I don't think so.
They SHOULD get their priorities right, but I don't consider them to be a hate organisation..

MrFun · December 31, 2003, 15:41

Quote:

Originally posted by JohnT
"If" is a highly speculative term to be throwing such accusations about, dontcha think?

Well, once I get the FBI on this, we'll find out for sure, either way.

JohnT · December 31, 2003, 15:42

Generally, it seems the latest controversy has to do with providing health benefits to same-sex partners. First the SA (Western division) said they would, then they said they wouldn't. http://www.commondreams.org/headlines01/1113-06.htm

JohnT · December 31, 2003, 15:43

http://www.washblade.com/2003/12-19/.../salvation.cfm

MrFun · December 31, 2003, 15:44

thanks for that article, JohnT

The Mad Monk · December 31, 2003, 15:44

Unless a group bases it's identity around the denigration of another group of people, it dosen't qualify as a hate group in my book.

Yes, that is a fairly strict interpretation, and I think it should be.

MrFun · December 31, 2003, 15:48

I guess the Salvation Army is more of a hypocritical organization in that they are not following the Christian pratice of extending a helping hand to everyone in need, as Jesus Christ had helped those in need.

So really, the Salvation Army is not faithfully Christian-based in that aspect.

Jon Miller · December 31, 2003, 15:48

gay.com is a real site!!1

jon Miller

chequita guevara · December 31, 2003, 16:05

The SA is a cult anyways.

Imran Siddiqui · December 31, 2003, 16:06

Quote:

My question here is that if the Salvation Army is indeed homophobic, then it's basically a hate organization, isn't it?

No. Just like if they decided not to give money to hispanics they wouldn't be a 'hate organization'.

MrFun · December 31, 2003, 16:08

Imran -- ThAT makes no sense to me.

Following your reasoning then, someone who advocates forced segregation based on race, is not really a racist.

To what extent can we be wishy-washy to avoid calling organizations for what they really are?

Imran Siddiqui · December 31, 2003, 16:21

Quote:

Following your reasoning then, someone who advocates forced segregation based on race, is not really a racist.

To what extent can we be wishy-washy to avoid calling organizations for what they really are?

I quote Mad Monk:

Unless a group bases it's identity around the denigration of another group of people, it dosen't qualify as a hate group in my book.

Gangerolf · December 31, 2003, 16:24

they don't hate gays

JohnT · December 31, 2003, 16:27

I've never received anything from the SA. Does that mean they hate me?

MrFun, I think your bud is making a mountain out of a molehill.

Gangerolf · December 31, 2003, 16:32

They run a chain of kick ass second hand clothing stores here. And they find missing persons.

Salvation Army

orange · December 31, 2003, 16:43

discriminatory - yes, hate - no.

MrFun · December 31, 2003, 16:43

Quote:

Originally posted by JohnT
I've never received anything from the SA. Does that mean they hate me?

MrFun, I think your bud is making a mountain out of a molehill.

Ok, so if the Salvation Army is not homophobic, what other reason is there that they would deny affirmative gays or lesbians needed charity assistance??

And to Imran's example with Hispanics -- what reason other than racism could there be, that they would deny a Hispanic charity assistance because that person is Hispanic?

JohnT · December 31, 2003, 16:48

Quote:

Ok, so if the Salvation Army is not homophobic, what other reason is there that they would deny affirmative gays or lesbians needed charity assistance??

Cite?

lord of the mark · December 31, 2003, 16:51

Quote:

Originally posted by MrFun

Ok, so if the Salvation Army is not homophobic, what other reason is there that they would deny affirmative gays or lesbians needed charity assistance??

lets see - they are specifically trying to help out poor straight people, the way some Jewish, muslim, black groups try to focus on their own groups needs?

No, ok they have some DONORS who are homophobic and they accomodate them - the point being that while discriminatory behaviour may, at some level be rooted in hated, it doesnt mean all who practice it are hating.

chequita guevara · December 31, 2003, 16:53

Hate and discrimination aren't the same thing, even if they are fellow travelers.

Imran Siddiqui · December 31, 2003, 17:13

Quote:

And to Imran's example with Hispanics -- what reason other than racism could there be, that they would deny a Hispanic charity assistance because that person is Hispanic?

So how would that make it a hate group?

CerberusIV · December 31, 2003, 19:35

Well, I'm drunk (it is New Year's Eve) so I will say something I would not if sober.

It is OK to discriminate.

If you think it isn't, then how do you propose to rewrite the entire history of the human race?

Verto · December 31, 2003, 20:17

Quote:

Originally posted by lord of the mark

lets see - they are specifically trying to help out poor straight people, the way some Jewish, muslim, black groups try to focus on their own groups needs?

No, ok they have some DONORS who are homophobic and they accomodate them - the point being that while discriminatory behaviour may, at some level be rooted in hated, it doesnt mean all who practice it are hating.

It's like calling the NAACP a hate group, because it specifically works for the advancement of 'colored people'.

monkspider · December 31, 2003, 20:29

*NOT* supporting the Salvation Army is homophobic, ergo, Fun is a closet homophobe.

GePap · December 31, 2003, 20:33

I walk by their New York headquaters often- interestingly enough, their motto is "Blood and Fire". How cheerful.

Berzerker · December 31, 2003, 23:24

Convert...Convert I say...

Well, Ashley has been deleted. Too bad, she may have saved a few souls here at poly from the abyss...

GePap · December 31, 2003, 23:28

Berz..are you looking to get banned? I think you better retract that pic soon....