McDonald’s declares itself ‘ally’ of gay group
Story by AFA Journal Staff. Sources cited for News of Interest indicate source of basic information only. April 2008
Perhaps selling Big Macs and fries just wasn’t enough for McDonald’s. Now the largest fast-food chain in the world has added the gay agenda to its menu.
In March, Richard Ellis, vice president of communications for McDonald’s USA, joined the board of directors for the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).
Following the election of Ellis to the group’s board, Heidi M. Barker said, “McDonald’s is indeed a corporate partner and organizational ally of NGLCC.” Barker is senior director of media relations for McDonald’s.
On its Web site, the NGLCC gave credit to sponsors such as McDonald’s for the financial support that helps in its work. “Through the commitment of our corporate partners, the NGLCC has been able to advance the ideas and causes of the LGBT business community,” the group said. The amount of the financial support was undisclosed.
“Don’t let the name of the organization fool anybody,” said Tim Wildmon, AFA president. “The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce may exist to help homosexuals in the business world, but it’s also a staunch supporter of the gay agenda.”
The NGLCC lobbies members of Congress on issues such as the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, hate crimes laws and measures seeking to elevate same-sex couples to the same status as married couples, according to its Web site.
McDonald’s has long prided itself on its sense of corporate duty. At the company’s 2007 shareholder’s meeting, CEO Jim Skinner said, “Being a socially responsible organization is a fundamental part of who we are. We have an obligation to use our size and resources to make a difference in the world … and we do.”
Wildmon said AFA is asking supporters to express their opinion to the fast-food giant. Contact:
Andrew J. McKenna, president
McDonald’s USA
McDonald’s Plaza
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Phone: 1-800-244-6227
E-mail: mcdonaldscorporation@mcd.com