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 Extends DP Health Benefits Army's Western Corporation Serves Domestic Partners' Needs HRC Welcomes Development in the Organization's Evolution |
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Compiled By GayToday
"This is a welcome development in the evolving policies of the Salvation Army and a bold move to embrace the entire American family," said HRC Executive Director Elizabeth Birch. "We hope this decision serves as a model for other Salvation Army corporations so they can bring their polices in line with many of the leading companies in corporate America." In a November 1 news statement, the Salvation Army said changes in the American family dictated a change in policy. The Western Corporation will "extend the scope of its employee benefits to include access to health care for other adults in employees' households," it said. "This decision reflects our concern for the health of our employees and those closest to them, and is made on the basis of strong ethical and moral reasoning that reflects the dramatic changes in family structure in recent years," said Colonel Phillip D. Needham, chief secretary for the Army's Western Corporation, headquartered in Long Beach, California
This change in policy is especially welcome following the recent clash with the Salvation Army over the group's policies, said HRC. In July, a controversy erupted after the Washington Post reported on a leaked Salvation Army memo. It said that in exchange for the group's support on the Bush administration's faith-based initiative, the administration had made a "firm commitment" to shield religious charities that receive federal funds from city and statewide ordinances that protect gays and lesbians from discrimination. Under intense pressure from civil rights groups and members of Congress who were outraged by the reported deal, the White House retreated and announced it was no longer pursuing the discriminatory regulation championed by the Salvation Army. |
