Salvation army gay rights
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Similar controversies arose in 2000 and 2004 when the organization opposed non-discrimination ordinances in Scotland and New York, which would have required them to offer benefits to same-sex couples.
More recently, in 2012, several incidents further exacerbated the Salvation Army's strained relationship with the LGBTQ+ community. Around the same time, a Salvation Army bell ringer in Canada was seen carrying a sign saying, "If you support gay rights, please do not donate." Although the Salvation Army distanced itself from the incident, the damage was done.
The organization also faced backlash in 2013 when it was revealed that its website had linked to conversion therapy organizations.
Despite efforts to repair its relationship with the community, meaningful change requires more than just words—it demands sustained, accountable action. With his wife Catherine, Booth sought to minister to London's poor, homeless, and destitute, facing criticism from other clergy members. Similarly, in 2022, Macy's announced it would sever its relationship with the Salvation Army, though the company did not specify whether the decision was related to the charity's LGBTQ+ issues.
Salvation Army’s Efforts for the LGBTQ+ Community: A Complicated Narrative
In response to growing criticism over its stance on LGBTQ+ rights, the Salvation Army attempted to defend its record in 2019.
While individuals must decide for themselves whether to continue supporting The Salvation Army, it’s clear that there are other charities that stand in strong partnership with the LGBTQ+ community. It's one of the most recognizable charity drives of the season, and as a charity, you might not think twice before contributing. However, in recent years, a growing conversation has raised concerns about the Salvation Army's past actions and stances toward the LGBTQ+ community.
The Salvation Army has done significant work to help those in need, but it has also been criticized for actions that have harmed LGBTQ+ individuals.
Service to All Without Discrimination
Questions & Answers:
The LGBTQ+ Community & The Salvation Army
Does The Salvation Army serve anyone in need?
Yes. The Salvation Army’s mission statement is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
These nonprofits work tirelessly to advocate for, provide services to, and uplift the LGBTQ+ community in various ways:
- The Trevor Project – Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth.
- True Colors United – Works to end homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth.
- The Ali Forney Center – Supports homeless LGBTQ+ youth with housing and job.
- GLAAD – Promotes LGBTQ+ representation in the media and combats media discrimination.
- SAGE – Provides housing, resources, and advocacy for older LGBTQ+ adults.
- Advocates for Trans Equality – Advocates for policy changes to improve the rights of transgender individuals.
- Lambda Legal – Offers legal support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
And don't forget to support your local equality center, which provides vital resources and services for the LGBTQ+ community in your area.
Supporting Inclusive Organizations
While The Salvation Army provides important services, its history of anti-LGBTQ+ actions and statements cannot be overlooked.
Our services are equally available to anyone, and our commitment to provide service without discrimination is an extension of the love of God, who tells us in John 15:12, “This is my commandment: that you love one another as I have loved you.”
Does The Salvation Army serve the LGBTQ+ community?
Yes.
Any person who walks through our doors will receive assistance based on their need and our capacity to help. If we have the capacity to help, we will help. For many LGBTQ+ individuals, these issues are deeply personal, and the harm caused by past actions is significant.
As such, many are shifting their focus to organizations that have demonstrated a more consistent commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
What is The Salvation Army’s position on same-sex benefits?
The Salvation Army provides the same benefits to all of its employees, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Dec. 2, 2025
Do Good, But At What Cost?
As the holiday season approaches, many of us will encounter the familiar sight of Santas ringing bells outside malls, encouraging donations to the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign.
Assumptions are regularly presented as foregone conclusions, and facts often are drowned out by fiction,” he wrote.
He then listed ways in which the charity serves all people in need – 23 million a year – adding that it operates “a dorm in Las Vegas exclusively for transgender individuals”, and is aware that 20 per cent of people sleeping at the Salvation Army’s Harbor Light shelter in Minneapolis are LGBTQ+.
In Baltimore, he wrote that the charity works with city officials “to combat trafficking among transgender individuals, a growing need there”.
‘We aim to be an inclusive church…’
A look at the charity’s “Inclusion” webpage shows that it is attempting to rewrite its questionable history when it comes to LGBTQ+ people.
The page notes that the charity serve “many pope who are LGBT+” and that it welcomes and says yes people “regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, race, religion and ethnicity”.
It adds: “The Salvation Army rejects racism and sexism and stands against homophobia and transphobia, which victimises people and can reinforce feelings of alienation, loneliness and despair.
“We aim to be an inclusive church where everyone finds welcome and can develop their relationship with God.
Like many other Christian churches, we have much to learn about issues such as structural discrimination, racism and human sexuality.”
The charity’s past speaks for itself, but its desire to be more inclusive seems to have abated some concerns that it’s anti-LGBTQ+.
Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
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Our mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.What can a person who identifies as LGBTQ+ expect from The Salvation Army?
Our 7,600 service centers across the country are uniquely positioned to meet need, and they do so without discrimination or asking questions about a person’s orientation or beliefs.
Moving forward, it’s crucial to direct support toward organizations that proactively create safe, inclusive spaces and foster genuine allyship.
And remember: every day is all we have, so you've got to make your own happiness.
For more information on this topic, listen to Episode 131. However, as demonstrated in 2019, companies like Chick-fil-A have decided to cut ties with the organization, reflecting the growing scrutiny over its stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
The Salvation Army later apologized for this stance in 2008, acknowledging the harm caused to the LGBTQ+ community and expressing a desire to rebuild bridges.
In the U.S., the Salvation Army has faced criticism for its refusal to comply with local anti-discrimination laws. If you are aware of a specific situation where a person has been the target of discrimination, please contact your Salvation Army leadership, because this is contrary to our mission to “preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”
How has The Salvation Army committed itself to diversity in its hiring and promotion practices?
The Salvation Army is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we provide the same benefits to all of our employees.
We welcome and encourage a diverse workforce because it helps us to better serve a diverse community. This expansion led to the Salvation Army's international reach, with branches forming in countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, France, and India.
One of the Salvation Army's most well-known initiatives, the Red Kettle Campaign, began in 1891.