Boycotters protest McDonald’s support for ‘homosexual agenda’

News Resources Tools Columns Documents ACI Group

Contenidos del sub-menu

Comments: 18

Washington D.C., Jul 19, 2008 / 12:18 am (CNA).- Some supporters of traditional marriage are protesting the fast food corporate giant McDonald’s over its decision to join the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and its spokesman’s remarks suggesting those who disapprove of homosexual acts are driven by hatred.

The American Family Association had organized a boycott of McDonald’s for joining the NGLCC, Cybercast News Service reports. The boycott coalition also objects to the corporation’s donation of $20,000 to the chamber and the chamber membership of Richard Ellis, McDonald’s vice president of communications.

The announcement of the boycott prompted McDonald’s spokesman Bill Whitman to say in response “Hatred has no place in our culture. That includes McDonald's, and we stand by and support our people to live and work in a society free of discrimination and harassment.”

The comment was an “insult” according to Matt Barber, director of cultural affairs at the Liberty Counsel, which supports the boycott.
“He insulted tens of millions of Americans who believe that the historical definition of marriage between one man and woman is important and crucial to society. He said that we’re haters and we’re motivated by hate. That, on its face, is a bold-face lie,” he told Cybercast News Service.

Peter LaBarbera, president of Americans for Truth About Homosexuality, also attacked the comments.

“This is a canard that the homosexual activists have been pushing for years – that if you oppose homosexual activism you are somehow a ‘bigot,’ or a ‘hater’ or a ‘homophobe.’ It’s a scandal to see a spokesman for a seemingly pro-family organization like McDonald’s echoing the gay line like this,” LaBarbera said.

McDonald’s did not respond directly to questions about Whitman’s comments. However a letter attributed to McDonald’s chief diversity officer Pat Harris, said:

“At McDonald’s, we respect and value everyone… Diversity and inclusion are business imperatives and integral parts of our culture. We have a long and proud history of leadership in these areas and continually strive to maintain a work environment where everyone feels valued and accepted.”

“We recognize and appreciate the contributions diverse groups and individuals bring to our society, including McDonald’s. We stand behind and support everyone’s right to live and work in a society free from discrimination and harassment.”

A statement from NGLCC president Justin Nelson and CEO Chance Mitchell said the main focus of the organization is to connect major corporations with “LGBT-owned (Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgendered) businesses that want to ensure their diverse supply chain looks like the customer and employee bases they have, or the customer and employee bases they are trying to attract.

“A company's decision to become a corporate partner doesn't reflect its entrance into the so-called ‘culture wars,’ as the conservative AFA suggested, but rather its commitment to diversity in the workplace and in its supplier relationships.”

Labarbera challenged the statement, saying the NGLCC is “a homosexual group which is working to extend advances made by homosexual activist groups over the last two decades or more” that also takes positions on legislation that concerns homosexuality.

“McDonald’s paid $20,000 so that one of its top executives could have a seat on the (NGLCC’s) board of directors,” LaBarbera said, according to Cybercast News Service. “How is that not an endorsement of the homosexual agenda?"

Comments: 18

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Sharee
Lincoln,NE 09/14/2009 02:51 PM EST

DUDe, im 17 and i understand that our gov't has to stay "neutral" or wit no religon BUT a business can make any political, ethnic, religon or whatever kind of decision to support what they want. Our society is growing and with it our state of mind. Who are we to say you cant be this way? Its just like me telling you that you can not drink from my fountain. there are things call CiViL && HUMAN RIGHTS!! are we going to call out the "gays" and kill them? like hitler did the "jews". When will people just let others live their lives and STOP CONTROLLING their society!!!!!!!! ??????????????

Published by: James
Tampa/FL 07/30/2008 11:24 AM EST

Tim,

Glad that it strikes you often that people make an appeal to authority for their defense of argument. It happens to be all we have including you as demonstrated by your appeal to biblical scholar Luke Timothy Johnson, OSB. We all have authority over us that we appeal to for our answers to matters of faith and morals. The question is who is your authority? I will stand with Christ and His Apostles especially Peter and his successors. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches clearly about the sin of homosexuality. The catechism is an excellent resource given to us by my authority. What strikes me is your use of the vague word 'many' for the number of theologians that would defend positions opposing our late Pontiff John Paul II. Point by point what would you disagree with in how he "spiritualized' our creation?

Published by: Gianna
St.Louis MO,US 07/29/2008 10:18 PM EST

I am insulted by Mr.Bill Whitman! How dare he even suggest that I hate gays!
I don't! I strongly disagree with their way of life-YES,ABSOLUTELY!!!
If they have this right to support and live that way of life ,then don't I have a equal right as to not live and support that way of life??? Just a question!

Published by: TIM
SAN ANTONIO, TX 07/28/2008 11:30 AM EST

I would like to see a list of companies that dont cave into the craze, then we could start giving them our dollars.
It blows me away why a good company would want to be associated promoting the homosexual life style.

Published by: Tim
DC 07/25/2008 01:38 PM EST

James: I'm always struck when others make comments that something is "not reasonable," and then use the "appeal to authority" as the basis for such comments. As any student of Aristotelian or Thomistic philosophy can tell you, such appeals to authority carry the least weight in argumentation. What, pray tell, is "not reasonable" about anything that I stated? Numerous theologians (including, for example, biblical scholar Luke Timothy Johnson, OSB) find much that is lacking in JP II's so-called "theology of the body." I find the perspective of Johnson and others much more compelling and "reasonable" than the spiritualized notion of creation that the late Pontiff put forth. (West, by the way, has a bachelor's in anthrolopolgy and a MTS from the JPII institute here in DC --hardly stellar academic credentials, even in ecclesial circles).

Published by: James
Tampa/FL 07/24/2008 10:49 AM EST

Tim from DC. Your conclusions are lethal to souls and not reasonable upon close analysis of your proposal for 'gays and lesbians'. Please read "The Good News about Sex and Marriage" by Christopher West. Homosexual sex is as sterile as masturbation and leads to addictive behaviors that only harm people physically and spiritually. The book gives great answers based on JPII's Theology of the Body. Don't believe in the lie.

Published by: Penny
York PA USA 07/23/2008 01:37 PM EST

I won't be eating at McDonald's anymore. I am very serious about this. There are plenty of other fast food places around here. I have eaten my last big mac.

Published by: Tim
DC 07/22/2008 12:52 PM EST

Jack: Contrary to what you state, a gay person does not have the same rights as an unmarried person; a gay person cannot marry the single adult person whom he/she loves. History tells us that societies (ecclesial & civil) have ALWAYS defined and regulated marriage; definitions and regulations which have changed countless times. Church and society are free to expand that definition once again. You refer to scripture and tradition. Scripture has numerous examples in which a man had multiple wives. Why does our society not allow polygamy? If one of the primary ends of Christian marriage is procreation, why does the Church allow marriage when procreation is impossible (as with aged spouses)? Because the "good of the spouses" clearly trumps. Catholic doctrine in many areas has developed over time (as John Henry Newman so articulated). Development can and should consider new knowledge and new sources of knowledge. In addition to science, many scripture scholars and theologians also question the underpinnings of the Church’s position. If you believe that sexual orientation is not chosen, how does this fit with your understanding of God? Why would a good God create millions of His children with this orientation, knowing it could not be fulfilled and would lead only to frustration? Why can we not consider the obvious answer: that God's gay and lesbian children can and should express their sexuality in good, loving, and faithful ways, including in committed relationship with another?

Published by: Mary Myra Mqrtin
New Orleans,LA. 07/22/2008 11:03 AM EST

I will not go to at all

Published by: DJR
MI USA 07/21/2008 09:24 PM EST

I Mcknow that this will not Mcfly.

Published by: James
Tampa/FL 07/21/2008 09:12 PM EST

My family may have had our last meal from McDonald's. We have joined the boycott and I have also written requests to McDonald's to remain neutral on this social issue. I received the same message insinuating that my motive was hatred for 'gays and lesbians, etc.'. This could not be further from the truth. My motivation as one who follows Jesus to the cross is Love. We must defend the sacrament of marriage and family life even at the risk of ridicule for going against the currents of the wealthy and powerful in the media. The Theology of the Body teaches us all about the beauty and the significance of God creating us man and woman and the complete purpose of our human sexuality. McDonald's and many other corporations have chosen to promote this illusion of homosexual marriage despite it having nothing to do with making hamburgers. I must speak out as Christ would to save souls. This is love, to lay down one's life for a friend, even when my homosexual friends do not understand, I must work to save souls from sinful living. Please God, gives us all ears to hear and eyes to see.

Published by: WM
US 07/21/2008 06:57 PM EST

Hey folks, Ronald McDonald isn't alone -- some other NGLCC corporate sponsors: Burger King, Avis, Coldwell Banker, Century 21, Marriott, Hyatt, Albertson's, UPS, AT&T, American Express. What kind of chip is running in your computer? Intel is a Founding Corporate Partner of the NGLCC (but AMD isn't). How about this ad from the NGLCC website: "American Airlines and American Eagle have a long history of proudly serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community."

We need more than boycotts. Write to your favorite companies (look up the Pres or Bd Chairman on the web) and urge them to maintain a family oriented stance, etc. Don't preach a sermon but ask for a direct commitment for their support of traditional family relationships.

Published by: Jack
Ohio 07/21/2008 06:48 PM EST

Tim,
No one is denying your fundamental human rights. You have the same rights as every unmarried person in this country.
You mention reputable evidence from the social and biological sciences but not from scripture, and sacred tradition.
While I believe that it is true that orientation is not chosen, lifestyle and actions are. All faithful priests and nuns are examples of people that live a celibate life regardless of their orientation. Human beings have free will. A persons orientation is never an excuse for wrong behavior. In the Catholic Church homosexual acts are wrong behavior.

Published by: Mal
Perth, Western Australia 07/21/2008 03:34 PM EST

When will people like McDonald’s spokesman Bill Whitman realise that our disapproval of homosexual relationships do not necessarily mean that we hate homosexuals. McDonald's is wrongly accusing us of being haters.

Published by: Roy Edwards
Nashville, TN / USA 07/21/2008 12:40 PM EST

I first learned of this problem through the American Family Association and was saddened to learn of McDonald's position some weeks ago. May I say, McDonald's needs to please understand that a position against homosexuality is not at all about 'hatred of an individual or individuals', but rather a strong disdain for any immoral and sinful lifestyle. As I now learn of companies that support such immorality, I've come to scratch them off my list of businesses of which I and my family will patronize. It also saddens me that McDonald's has chosen to consider my spiritual concerns as some form of 'discrimination' for they most certainly are not! It is rather, my small effort in trying to, as best I can, to abide by the Holy Word of God. My stance is simply to counter the numerous immoral advocates who support such 'unbiblical' activities. Neither do I believe in supporting adultery, murder, lying, stealing, lust, pornography, etc... as contrary to God's Holy Word and the Holy Commandments. Does this mean I hate the people that partake in and cause such things to unfold, absolutely not. But as a Catholic Christian I am certainly not to condone such activity. As a father I am charged with seeing that my family is exposed to good aspects of life, which are affirming and God honoring. My prayer is that McDonald's will once again wake up to that God-honoring principle in their business practices. But until then, I'll eat most of my fast-food at Chick-Fil-A.

Published by: Tim
D.C. 07/21/2008 12:05 PM EST

While not everyone who would deny fundamental human rights to God's gay and lesbian children may be motivated by hate, they may be guilty of what moral theology calls "vincible ignorance." ALL reputable evidence from the social and biological sciences indicates that sexual orientation is part of the "givenness" of who we are as God's children. It is not a choice, and it cannot be changed. To deny this fact is to deny the Hand of God at work in God's diverse creation. How we as God's People respond to God's gay and lesbian children in light of this is something that we as a Church and society must account for. Yesterday's Gospel about the weeds and the wheat reminds us that it falls to God--and God alone--to pass judgment.

Published by: VL
Jasper IN USA 07/19/2008 06:58 PM EST

Never really cared For McDonald's especially after I read the CEO would be "actively promoting the homosexual agenda". This is not "family-friendly". It is not hate but just a scientific fact that two of the same gender in the human species cannot produce "family" i.e. "children". I absolutely endorse the boycott. McDonald's endorsement of homosexuality is a slap in the face to everyone who holds traditional marriage near and dear.

Published by: Anthony C.
United States 07/19/2008 08:53 AM EST

Our family will boycott McDonald products.

ADD A COMMENT (Your e-mail will NOT be published):


NAME:
CITY/STATE/COUNTRY:
EMAIL:
COMMENT:

PLEASE ENTER THE SECURITY CODE DISPLAYED ABOVE:
Chars:

* Thanks for your comments. The number of messages that can be online is limited. Length should not exceed 1500 characters. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages.

ADVERTISING
CNA does not necessarily endorse these advertisers. Please proceed with discretion. If you feel that a website announced has inappropriate or offensive content, please send it by e-mail to catholicna@catholicna.com