UPS, Intel end funding Boy Scouts Of America over gay ban

Wed. November 14, 2012 9:23 AM by OnTopMag.com

The UPS Foundation on Monday announced it would no longer fund organizations which discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The new rules would exclude the Boy Scouts of America, which in July reiterated its ban on openly gay scouts and leaders.

The foundation wrote at its website: "The UPS Foundation seeks to support organizations that are in alignment with our focus areas, guidelines, and non-discrimination policy. UPS and The UPS Foundation do not discriminate against any person or organization with regard to categories protected by applicable law, as well as other categories protected by UPS and The UPS Foundation in our own policies. These include, but are not limited to race, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, pregnancy, age and religion."

In a blog post, GLAAD confirmed that the new guidelines would exclude the Boy Scouts of America.

UPS follows in the footsteps of the Intel Foundation, which announced in September similar rules for grant applicants.

GLAAD President Herndon Graddick said of the announcement: "More and more corporate leaders are enacting strong non-discrimination policies for practices including grant funding and hiring. Equality is not only good for business, but supported by a vast majority of Americans. The time is now for the BSA to end this outdated and unpopular ban before other corporate funders pull dollars and scouting families drop their support. All of the great work that the BSA does to help young people will continue to be overshadowed by their blatant discrimination until they join other inclusive organizations like the Girl Scouts of the USA and the 4-H Club."

Article provided in partnership with On Top Magazine

 

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