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Salvation Army Assures Catania That It Does Not Discriminate Based On Sexual Orientation |
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WASHINGTON, DC...In response to an article in today's Washington Post
regarding an alleged agreement between the Salvation Army and the White House
that would allow religious groups, such as the Salvation Army, to circumvent
state and local laws by discriminating based on sexual orientation,
Councilmember David A. Catania (R-At Large) contacted both the local and
national Salvation Army to express his opposition to such an arrangement.
Councilmember Catania, who Chairs the Council of the District of Columbia's
Committee on Public Services, which has jurisdiction over federal grants,
received assurances from both the local and national Salvation Armies that
they have non-discrimination policies and do not discriminate based on sexual
orientation. Additionally, the groups said there is no arrangement between
the White House and the Salvation Army to allow them to discriminate based on
sexual orientation. "While religious organizations are exempt from non-discrimination laws," said
Councilmember Catania, "when public funds are being used, those entities
receiving them must follow the law and not discriminate." The District of
Columbia's Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on sexual
orientation, as does 12 other States throughout the country. The Salvation
Army currently has contracts with the District of Columbia government. "If I
learn or suspect that the Salvation Army is, in fact, engaged in
discrimination in carrying out its non-religious work," added Catania, "I
will not hesitate to conduct hearings and subpoena them into appearing before the council." |
