Editing The Salvation Army (section)

==Controversies==
===Stance on LGBT rights===
Because the Salvation Army is a church, Title VII of the U.S. [[Civil Rights Act of 1964]] allows it to inquire into people's religious beliefs in its hiring practices. The Salvation Army states that it does not "discriminate against hiring gays and lesbians for the majority of its roughly 55,000 jobs,"<ref name="query.nytimes.com">{{cite web |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9402E7DE1F38F932A25754C0A9679C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all |title=Charity Is Told It Must Abide By Antidiscrimination Laws |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=11 July 2001 |access-date=11 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110131105446/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9402E7DE1F38F932A25754C0A9679C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all |archive-date=31 January 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> but has historically supported legislation which would allow it to deny employment and federally-funded services to [[LGBT]] individuals.<ref name="Cbsnews.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2001/07/10/politics/main300601.shtml |title=Rove Under Fire, Bush Aide's Involvement With Salvation Army Request Eyed |publisher=Cbsnews.com |date=10 July 2001 |access-date=11 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526105023/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2001/07/10/politics/main300601.shtml |archive-date=26 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite magazine
 |last1        = Potter
 |first1       = Julian
 |date         = 28 August 2001
 |title        = No salvation from betrayal
 |url          = http://www.advocate.com/html/stories/845/845_potter.asp
 |url-status     = dead
 |magazine     = [[The Advocate (LGBT magazine)|The Advocate]]
 |issue        = 845
 |issn         = 0001-8996
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20030822220450/http://www.advocate.com/html/stories/845/845_potter.asp
 |archive-date = 22 August 2003
 |access-date  = 28 November 2017
 |df           = dmy-all
}}</ref>
<ref name="theconversation.com">{{cite web
|url          =https://theconversation.com/reviled-reclaimed-and-respected-the-history-of-the-word-queer-197533
|title          =Reviled, reclaimed and respected: the history of the word 'queer'
|publisher          =theconversation.com
|date          =18 January 2023
|last1          =Jones
|first1          =Timothy W.
}}</ref>

In 1986, The Salvation Army campaigned throughout New Zealand against the [[Homosexual Law Reform Act 1986]], which decriminalised homosexuality.<ref name="Baume2019">{{cite web |last1=Baume |first1=Matt |title=Salvation Army Says They're No Longer Homophobic |url=https://www.out.com/news/2019/11/18/salvation-army-says-theyre-no-longer-homophobic |website=Out |access-date=19 November 2019 |language=en |date=18 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119060402/https://www.out.com/news/2019/11/18/salvation-army-says-theyre-no-longer-homophobic |archive-date=19 November 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2006, the Army released a statement regretting the ill feelings that persisted following its activity. It stated in part "We do understand though that The Salvation Army's official opposition to the Reform Bill was deeply hurtful to many, and are distressed that ill-feeling still troubles our relationship with segments of the [[LGBT community|gay community]]. We regret any hurt that may remain from that turbulent time and our present hope is to rebuild bridges of understanding and dialogue between our movement and the gay community."<ref>{{cite press release |author=<!--Not stated--> |title=The Salvation Army and Homosexual Law Reform Bill 2005 |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/sites/default/files/uploads/_archive/TSA_and_Homosexual_Law_Reform_Bill.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/sites/default/files/uploads/_archive/TSA_and_Homosexual_Law_Reform_Bill.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live |location=Wellington |publisher=The Salvation Army, New Zealand Fiji & Tonga Territory |date=15 May 2008 |access-date=26 September 2022}}</ref>

In 1997, the city of [[San Francisco]] enacted a law requiring all companies doing business with the city government to extend domestic benefits to same-sex partners of employees. In refusing to do so, the Salvation Army declined a US$3.5 million contract.<ref name="GayandLesbianIssues">{{citation
  | title = Gay and Lesbian Issues: A Reference Handbook
  | first1 = Chuck
  | last1 = Stewart
  | publisher = [[ABC-CLIO]]
  | date = 2003
  | page = 44
  | isbn = 9781851093724
  | oclc = 963108678
  | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=sdKvt-GoidYC&pg=PA44}}</ref> In 2001, the Salvation Army pressed the Bush Administration to exempt it and other religious groups from anti-discrimination legislation which it felt infringed on the organisation's religious freedoms. This request was denied, and was sharply rebuked by David Smith, then-spokesperson for the [[Human Rights Campaign]]. "Gays and lesbians are taxpayers, too," said Smith. "Their money should not be used by religious groups to fund discriminatory practices against them."<ref name="query.nytimes.com"/><ref name="wapo2001">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2001/07/10/charity-cites-bush-help-in-fight-against-hiring-gays/30e536a6-9535-4e1d-812f-180139055546/|title=Charity Cites Bush Help in Fight Against Hiring Gays|last1=Milbank|first1=Dana|author-link1=Dana Milbank|date=10 July 2001|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=26 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201050734/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2001/07/10/charity-cites-bush-help-in-fight-against-hiring-gays/30e536a6-9535-4e1d-812f-180139055546/|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite episode |title=D.C. Police Want Congressman to Take Lie Detector Test |series=Inside Politics |series-link=Inside Politics |first1=Judy |last1=Woodruff |author-link1=Judy Woodruff |first2=Major |last2=Garrett |author-link2=Major Garrett |network=[[CNN]] |date=10 July 2001|transcript=(transcript) |transcript-url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0107/10/ip.00.html |quote=A proposed regulation sent to the White House by the Salvation Army would go even further, giving the army and other religious groups the power to discriminate against homosexuals and nonmarried heterosexual couples. Vice President Cheney said the goal was to protect religious groups from having to act against their principles.}}</ref>

In February 2000, the Salvation Army in the United Kingdom publicly opposed the repeal of [[Section 28|Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988]], which prevented [[Local government in the United Kingdom|local authorities]] from "intentionally promot[ing] homosexuality".<ref name="Salvation Army Letter to Scottish Parliament">{{cite web |url=http://archive.scottish.parliament.uk/business/committees/historic/x-lg/reports-00/lgr00-06-08.htm#3 |title=Salvation Army Letter to Scottish Parliament |publisher=Archive.scottish.parliament.uk |access-date=22 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208031118/http://archive.scottish.parliament.uk/business/committees/historic/x-lg/reports-00/lgr00-06-08.htm#3 |archive-date=8 February 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The [[The Salvation Army U.S.A. Western Territory|Salvation Army Western Territory]] approved a plan in October 2001 to start offering domestic partnership benefits to employees in same-sex relationships.<ref>{{cite magazine
| date                  = 1 December 2001
| title                 = Salvation Army drops partners provision after religious right blitz
| url                   = https://au.org/church-state/december-2001-church-state/people-events/december-2001-people-events
| magazine              = Church & State
| publisher             = [[Americans United for Separation of Church and State]]
| archive-url           = https://web.archive.org/web/20160324131755/https://www.au.org/church-state/december-2001-church-state/people-events/december-2001-people-events
| archive-date          = 24 March 2016
| access-date           = 28 November 2017
}}</ref> Members of various evangelical Christian interest groups protested the decision. [[Focus on the Family]] founder [[James Dobson]] excoriated the Salvation Army for abandoning its "moral integrity" and urged his radio listeners to bombard the organisation's offices with phone calls and letters. The [[American Family Association]] also accused the Salvation Army of a "monstrous... appeasement of sin" that resulted in a "betrayal of the church". In November 2001 the Salvation Army US-wide rescinded the Western Territory's decision with an announcement that it would only provide benefits coverage for different-sex spouses and dependent children of its employees.{{cn|date=October 2024}}

In 2004, the Salvation Army said that it would close operations in New York City unless it was exempted from a municipal ordinance requiring them to offer benefits to gay employees' partners. The City Council refused to make the exemption. Mayor [[Michael R. Bloomberg]]'s administration chose not to enforce the ordinance. The administration's right to decline to enforce the ordinance was upheld by the New York State Court of Appeals in 2006.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/24/us/beliefs-salvation-army-hears-dissent-over-gay-views.html|title=Salvation Army Hears Dissent Over Gay Views|last1=Oppenheimer|first1=Mark|date=24 December 2011|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=21 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501015418/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/24/us/beliefs-salvation-army-hears-dissent-over-gay-views.html|archive-date=1 May 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2008, a trans woman named Jennifer Gale died outside a church in [[Austin, Texas]]. A city council member attributed her death to workers at a Salvation Army shelter refusing to house her in the women's quarters.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://relevantmagazine.com/culture/ellie-goulding-will-perform-halftime-show-after-debate-over-salvation-armys-lgbt-stance/|title=Ellie Goulding Will Perform Halftime Show After Debate Over Salvation Army's LGBT Stance|date=18 November 2019|website=RELEVANT Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=20 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119035814/https://relevantmagazine.com/culture/ellie-goulding-will-perform-halftime-show-after-debate-over-salvation-armys-lgbt-stance/|archive-date=19 November 2019|url-status=dead}}
* {{Cite web|url=https://texascivilrightsreview.org/2010/07/21/jennifer-gale-death-caused-by-lack-of-shelter-for-transgender-homeless//|title=Jennifer Gale Death Caused by Lack of Shelter for Transgender Homeless|date=21 July 2010|website=Texas Civil Rights Review|language=en-US|access-date=21 November 2019}}</ref> The city council member later partially retracted their statements, stating "The Salvation Army... do apparently have a policy of non-discrimination and they do not turn trans people away, but I'm not fully sold on their ability to actually understand the issue. If they are not full they will give trans people privacy (maybe they have private quarters of some sort), but if full and they are in an overflow shelter situation, as they were Tuesday night, I am under the impression that they will assign people according to their anatomy."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/news/2008-12-19/gale-rumor-untrue/|title=Gale Rumor Untrue|last1=King|first1=Michael|work=[[The Austin Chronicle]]|language=en-US|access-date=24 November 2019|date=19 December 2008}}
* {{Cite web|url=http://www.burntorangereport.com/diary/7670/%20|title=Public Memorial Service on Sunday in Austin for Jennifer Gale|date=19 December 2008|website=Burnt Orange Report|language=en-US|access-date=24 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140516063132/http://www.burntorangereport.com/diary/7670/|archive-date=16 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Between 2010 and 2013, a "position statement" with regard to "same-sex" "sexual orientations" was published on the Salvation Army's website:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hrc.org/resources/entry/stances-of-faiths-on-lgbt-issues-salvation-army|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111222034712/http://www.hrc.org/resources/entry/stances-of-faiths-on-lgbt-issues-salvation-army|archive-date=22 December 2011|website=Human Rights Campaign (via Wayback Machine)|title=Stances of Faiths on LGBT Issues: Salvation Army|access-date=2019-12-08}}
* {{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/24/us/beliefs-salvation-army-hears-dissent-over-gay-views.html|website=The New York Times|title=Beliefs: Salvation Army Hears Dissent Over Gay Views: Sounding Quiet Dissent About a Holiday Perennial|last=Oppenheimer|first=Mark|date=2011-12-24|access-date=2019-12-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508113441/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/24/us/beliefs-salvation-army-hears-dissent-over-gay-views.html|archive-date=8 May 2017|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite web|url=https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/salvation-army/|website=Snopes.com|title=Did a Salvation Army Official Say That Homosexuals "Deserve to Die"?|last=Mikkelson|first=David|date=2013-09-23|access-date=2019-12-08}}</ref><ref name="The_Atlantic">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/06/salvation-army-official-gays-deserve-death/321193/|website=The Atlantic|title=Salvation Army Official: Gays Deserve Death|last=Abad-Santos|first=Alexander|date=2012-06-25|access-date=2019-12-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191121085106/https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/06/salvation-army-official-gays-deserve-death/321193/|archive-date=21 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

<blockquote>Scripture forbids sexual intimacy between members of the same sex. The Salvation Army believes, therefore, that Christians whose sexual orientation is primarily or exclusively same-sex are called upon to embrace celibacy as a way of life. There is no scriptural support for same-sex unions as equal to, or as an alternative to, heterosexual marriage.

Likewise, there is no scriptural support for demeaning or mistreating anyone for reason of his or her sexual orientation. The Salvation Army opposes any such abuse.

In keeping with these convictions, the services of The Salvation Army are available to all who qualify, without regard to sexual orientation.</blockquote>

This position statement was deleted by June 2012,<ref name="The_Atlantic" /> replaced by a statement that the organisation's position on homosexuality is under review.<ref name="CTV_News">{{Cite web|url=https://bc.ctvnews.ca/b-c-salvation-army-volunteer-tells-gay-rights-supporters-not-to-donate-1.1081136|website=CTV News|title=B.C. Salvation Army volunteer tells gay rights supporters not to donate|date=2012-12-15|access-date=2019-12-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209053033/https://bc.ctvnews.ca/b-c-salvation-army-volunteer-tells-gay-rights-supporters-not-to-donate-1.1081136|archive-date=9 December 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 15 December 2012, in Canada, Andrea Le Good noticed a Salvation Army bell-ringer carrying a sign reading "if you support [[gay rights]]: please do not donate". While the bell-ringer claimed he had permission from the charity to wear the sign, Salvation Army spokeswoman Kyla Ferns said that it had no part in the sign, and that the bell-ringer was pulled away immediately when the charity learned about it.<ref name="CTV_News" />

In November 2013, it was made known that the Salvation Army was referring LGBT individuals to one of several [[conversion therapy]] groups.<ref name=exgay>{{cite web|last=Besen|first=Wayne|title=Salvation Army Refers People to Ex-Gay Groups|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/wayne-besen/salvation-army-refers-people-to-ex-gay-groups_b_4344605.html|website=[[Huffington Post]]|location=New York City|date=26 November 2013|access-date=9 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209034342/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wayne-besen/salvation-army-refers-people-to-ex-gay-groups_b_4344605.html|archive-date=9 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> As a response, the Salvation Army removed links to the conversion groups from their website.<ref name=Brydum>{{cite web | url=http://www.advocate.com/business/2013/11/27/salvation-army-does-not-consider-homosexual-orientation-sin | title=Salvation Army 'Does Not Consider Homosexual Orientation a Sin' | work=[[The Advocate (LGBT magazine)|The Advocate]] | date=27 November 2013 | access-date=11 December 2013 | author=Brydum, Sunnivie | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131210190457/http://www.advocate.com/business/2013/11/27/salvation-army-does-not-consider-homosexual-orientation-sin | archive-date=10 December 2013 | url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2016, The Salvation Army withdrew support for an Australian safe schools program that focused on LGBT students,<ref name="Baume2019"/> stating that "the provision of a government approved anti-bullying program needs to consider all high risk student groups."<ref>{{cite web |title=Salvation Army Announces National Position on Safe Schools |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/about-us/news-and-stories/media-newsroom/salvation-army-announces-national-position-on-safe-schools/ |website=The Salvation Army Australia |access-date=19 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630121403/http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/about-us/news-and-stories/media-newsroom/salvation-army-announces-national-position-on-safe-schools/ |archive-date=30 June 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In November 2019, according to ''[[The Dallas Morning News]]'', "singer [[Ellie Goulding]]... threaten[ed] to cancel her performance at the [[Dallas Cowboys|Cowboys]]' [[Thanksgiving]] halftime show" out of concern for "the LGBTQ community" following negative responses to an Instagram post that she made promoting the organisation:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B4xM9fAjHJx/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/B4xM9fAjHJx |archive-date=2021-12-23 |url-access=subscription|website=Instagram|title=elliegoulding on Instagram: "Ok so maybe hairnet not my strongest look but thank you @salvationarmyus for having us in New York. As you know, I have spent a lot of time..."|date=2019-11-12|access-date=2019-12-08}}{{cbignore}}
* {{Cite web|url=https://www.metroweekly.com/2019/12/lgbtq-activists-attack-pete-buttigieg-for-previously-volunteering-with-the-salvation-army/|website=Metro Weekly|title=LGBTQ activists attack Pete Buttigieg for previously volunteering with the Salvation Army|date=2019-12-06|access-date=2019-12-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207125052/https://www.metroweekly.com/2019/12/lgbtq-activists-attack-pete-buttigieg-for-previously-volunteering-with-the-salvation-army/|archive-date=7 December 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="The_Dallas_Morning_News">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/music/2019/11/12/ellie-goulding-threatens-to-cancel-performance-during-cowboys-thanksgiving-halftime-show/|website=The Dallas Morning News|title=Ellie Goulding threatens to cancel her Cowboys Thanksgiving halftime show over Salvation Army concerns|date=2019-11-12|access-date=2019-12-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191123071436/https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/music/2019/11/12/ellie-goulding-threatens-to-cancel-performance-during-cowboys-thanksgiving-halftime-show/|archive-date=23 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

<blockquote>"Upon researching this, I have reached out to The Salvation Army and said that I would have no choice but to pull out unless they very quickly make a solid, committed pledge or donation to the LGBTQ community," she wrote. "I am a committed philanthropist as you probably know, and my heart has always been in helping the homeless, but supporting an anti-LGBTQ charity is clearly not something I would ever intentionally do. Thank you for drawing my attention to this."</blockquote>

The show "serves as the kickoff for the Salvation Army's yearly Red Kettle Campaign". Goulding later opted to perform.<ref name="The_Dallas_Morning_News" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/13/entertainment/ellie-goulding-cowboys-salvation-army-trnd/index.html|website=CNN|title=Ellie Goulding will perform at the Dallas Cowboys' Thanksgiving show despite threats to cancel|date=2019-11-15|access-date=2019-12-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117103426/https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/13/entertainment/ellie-goulding-cowboys-salvation-army-trnd/index.html|archive-date=17 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2019, 2020, and 2021, The Salvation Army continued to be criticized in publications like ''[[Vox (website)|Vox]]'', ''[[Forbes]]'', and ''[[Out (magazine)|Out]]'', for homophobic and transphobic views and practices expressed by its leaders and policies, such as in public statements and lobbying.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Valle|first=Gaby Del|date=2019-12-16|title=The backlash against the Salvation Army, explained|url=https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/12/16/21003560/salvation-army-anti-lgbtq-controversies-donations|access-date=2021-05-17|website=Vox|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Ennis|first=Dawn|title=The Salvation Army Wants You To Believe They've Changed|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/dawnstaceyennis/2020/11/27/the-salvation-army-wants-you-to-believe-theyve-changed/|access-date=2021-05-17|website=Forbes|language=en}}</ref>

====The Salvation Army's response====
In 2013, a positional statement on the Salvation Army U.K. and Ireland site stated:

{{blockquote|The Salvation Army teaches that sexual acts should take place only in a monogamous heterosexual marriage, believing that this reflects God's intentions for sexual behaviour and provides the best environment for raising children.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/PSHumanSexuality |title=Human sexuality |access-date=27 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202223458/http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/PSHumanSexuality |archive-date=2 December 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>}}

The statement was later taken down. The statement was intended explicitly for members of the Salvation Army<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/masic|title=Church & community section – The Salvation Army|work=salvationarmy.org.uk|access-date=9 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206092145/http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/masic|archive-date=6 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the Salvation Army mission statement {{as of|2013|lc=y}} states:

{{blockquote|The Salvation Army stands against [[homophobia]], which victimises people and can reinforce feelings of alienation, loneliness and despair. We want to be an inclusive church community where members of the LGBT community find welcome and the encouragement to develop their relationship with God... Our international mission statement is very clear on this point when it says we will "meet human needs in [Jesus'] name without discrimination". Anyone who comes through our doors will be welcomed with love and service, based on their need and our capacity to provide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/Non-Discrimination|title=Inclusion – The Salvation Army|work=salvationarmy.org.uk|access-date=9 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131222162527/http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/Non-Discrimination|archive-date=22 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>}}

{{As of|November 2013}}, activists were still calling on the Salvation Army to change its stance on LGBT issues, citing ongoing discrimination.<ref name=Hyman1>{{cite news|last=Hyman|first=Jamie|title=Watermark tradition: Boycotting the bell-ringers|url=http://www.watermarkonline.com/2013/11/20/watermark-tradition-boycotting-the-bell-ringers/|access-date=15 February 2014|newspaper=Watermark|date=20 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403021750/http://www.watermarkonline.com/2013/11/20/watermark-tradition-boycotting-the-bell-ringers/|archive-date=3 April 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Chatel1>{{cite news|last=Chatel|first=Amanda|title=7 Companies That Don't Support Gay Rights|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/16/anti-gay-companies_n_4110344.html|access-date=15 February 2014|newspaper=Huffington Post|date=16 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515144737/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/16/anti-gay-companies_n_4110344.html|archive-date=15 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{As of|April 2018}}, the "Inclusion" page on the official U.K. website stated that the Salvation Army stands against homophobia and does not permit discrimination in its employment practices or delivery of care.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/inclusion | title=Inclusion, the Salvation Army | access-date=7 April 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705122836/https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/inclusion | archive-date=5 July 2017 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

{{As of|2018}}, the U.S.A. Central Territory website explicitly states that it serves and welcomes the LGBT community.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/usc/lgbt_discrimination_debunking_the_myth/ | title=LGBT Discrimination: Debunking the myth | access-date=22 September 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923052227/https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/usc/lgbt_discrimination_debunking_the_myth/ | archive-date=23 September 2018 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

On the website of its USA division, the organisation currently maintains an informative/promotional document titled "The LGBTQ Community and The Salvation Army" which states (among other things) that it is "committed to serving the LGBTQ community"; "[w]hen a transgender person seeks help from us, we serve them in the same manner as any other person seeking assistance"; it "is an [[Equal Opportunity Employer]]" with regard to "sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression" (et al.); and that it "provide[s] benefits to the spouses of employees in same-sex marriages".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/the-lgbtq-community-and-the-salvation-army/|website=The Salvation Army USA|title=The LGBTQ Community and The Salvation Army|access-date=2019-12-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191124235317/https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/the-lgbtq-community-and-the-salvation-army/|archive-date=24 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Proselytising during government-funded social service in New York===
In 2004, the Salvation Army's New York division was named in a lawsuit filed by 18 current and former employees of its social service arm, claiming that the organisation asked about the religious and sexual habits of employees in programs funded by local and state government. One member claimed the organisation forced them to agree "to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ".<ref>{{cite news|title=Suit Claims Group's Staff Is Pressured on Religion|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/25/nyregion/25salvation.html|newspaper=New York Times|date=25 February 2004|access-date=13 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723112156/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/25/nyregion/25salvation.html|archive-date=23 July 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Proselytising or otherwise pursuing religious motives in a government-funded program is generally considered a violation of the [[Establishment Clause]] of the U.S. Constitution. While the employment-discrimination portion of the lawsuit was dismissed in 2005, government agencies agreed in a 2010 settlement to set up monitoring systems to ensure that the Army did not violate [[Separation of church and state|church–state separation]] in its publicly funded projects. The organisation did not dispute allegations that nine-year-olds in a city-funded foster care program were put through a "confirmation-like" ceremony, where they were given Bibles and prayed over.<ref>{{cite news|last=Newman|first=Andy|title=Settlement in Salvation Army Suit on Proselytizing|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/17/settlement-in-salvation-army-suit-on-proselytizing/?_r=0|newspaper=New York Times|date=17 February 2010|access-date=7 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222183228/http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/17/settlement-in-salvation-army-suit-on-proselytizing/?_r=0|archive-date=22 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Australian sex abuse cases===
{{see also|Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse#Salvation Army}}
From the 1940s to the 1980s the Salvation Army in Australia sheltered approximately 30,000 children. In 2006 the Australian division of the Salvation Army acknowledged that [[sexual abuse]] may have occurred during this time and issued an apology. In it, the Army explicitly rejected a claim, made by a party unnamed in the apology, that there were as many as 500 potential claimants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/media/statements/2006_child_abuse.asp|title=The Salvation Army's response to child abuse allegations|publisher=The Salvation Army|date=1 August 2006|access-date=30 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060819030816/http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/media/statements/2006_child_abuse.asp|archive-date=19 August 2006}}</ref>

In 2013 it was reported that private settlements totalling {{AUD|15.5 million}} had been made in [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] relating to 474 abuse cases; a Salvation Army spokesman said that "This should not have happened and this was a breach of the trust placed in us" and that they were "deeply sorry" whilst claiming that the abuse was "the result of individuals and not a culture within the organisation".<ref>{{cite news|last=Gannon|first=Genevieve|title=Salvo abuse claims dealt with privately|url=http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-national/salvo-abuse-claims-dealt-with-privately-20130411-2hn4m.html|access-date=30 May 2013|newspaper=The Age|date=11 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413033324/http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-national/salvo-abuse-claims-dealt-with-privately-20130411-2hn4m.html|archive-date=13 April 2013|url-status=live}}
* {{cite news|last=Rintoul|first=Stuart|title='Ashamed' Salvation Army paid $15m to child sex abuse victims, inquiry told|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/in-depth/ashamed-salvation-army-paid-15m-to-child-sex-abuse-victims-inquiry-told/story-fngburq5-1226618279228|access-date=30 May 2013|newspaper=The Australian|date=11 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511232610/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/in-depth/ashamed-salvation-army-paid-15m-to-child-sex-abuse-victims-inquiry-told/story-fngburq5-1226618279228|archive-date=11 May 2013|url-status=live}}
* {{cite web|title=The Salvation Army appearance before the Victorian Parliamentary Committee's Inquiry into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse|url=http://salvos.org.au/about-us/media-centre/documents/MRVictorianParliamentaryCommitteeInquiry.pdf|publisher=The Salvation Army|access-date=31 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130828082009/http://salvos.org.au/about-us/media-centre/documents/MRVictorianParliamentaryCommitteeInquiry.pdf|archive-date=28 August 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2014, the [[Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse]], a [[Royal Commission|royal commission of inquiry]] initiated in 2013 by the [[Australian Government]] and supported by all of its [[States and territories of Australia|state]] governments,<ref name="letterspatent">{{cite web|url=http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/our-work/terms-of-reference/|title=Letters Patent|work=Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse|access-date=12 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822011715/http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/our-work/terms-of-reference/|archive-date=22 August 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> began investigating abuse cases at the Alkira Salvation Army Home for Boys at {{QLDcity|Indooroopilly}}; the Riverview Training Farm (also known as Endeavour Training Farm) at {{QLDcity|Riverview}}{{spaced endash}}both in [[Queensland]]; the Bexley Boys' Home at {{NSWcity|Bexley}}; and the Gill Memorial Home at {{NSWcity|Goulburn}}{{spaced endash}}both in [[New South Wales]]. The investigation also examined the Salvation Army's processes in investigating, disciplining, removing, and transferring anyone accused of or found to have engaged in child sexual abuse in these homes.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.goulburnpost.com.au/story/2067793/royal-commission-torture-and-rape-at-gill-memorial/?cs=180 |newspaper=[[List of newspapers in New South Wales#List of newspapers in New South Wales (G)|Goulburn Post]] |title=Royal Commission: Torture and rape at Gill Memorial |date=5 February 2014 |author=Thrower, Louise |access-date=5 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204224610/http://www.goulburnpost.com.au/story/2067793/royal-commission-torture-and-rape-at-gill-memorial/?cs=180 |archive-date=4 February 2014 |url-status=dead }}
* {{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-30/salvation-army-suspends-officer-over-sexual-abuse-inquiry/5228914 |author=Oriti, Thomas |title=Salvation Army suspends officer John McIver over child sexual abuse royal commission |date=31 January 2014 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |location=Australia |access-date=5 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140205025526/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-30/salvation-army-suspends-officer-over-sexual-abuse-inquiry/5228914 |archive-date=5 February 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ABCNews2014-02-06">{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-30/boys-rented-out-for-abuse-at-salvos-boys-home/5227854 |author=Oriti, Thomas |title=Boys 'rented out' for abuse at Salvation Army boys' home at Bexley in Sydney's south |date=6 February 2014 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |location=Australia |access-date=15 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150521154243/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-30/boys-rented-out-for-abuse-at-salvos-boys-home/5227854 |archive-date=21 May 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=case5>{{cite web |url=http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/case-study/a0bd6592-0036-42eb-9c33-62c7ad8312b1/case-study-5,-january-2014,-sydney |title=Case Study 5, January 2014, Sydney |publisher=Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse |date=2014 |access-date=16 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527054235/http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/case-study/a0bd6592-0036-42eb-9c33-62c7ad8312b1/case-study-5,-january-2014,-sydney |archive-date=27 May 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 27 March 2014, the Royal Commission began investigating the handling by the Salvation Army (Eastern Territory) of claims of child sexual abuse between 1993 and 2014.<ref name="ABCPM2014-02-03">{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-03/salvation-army-whistleblowers-dismissed-for-reporting-abuse/5235430 |title=Salvation Army whistleblowers dismissed from Indooroopilly, Qld, home for reporting alleged abuse, royal commission hears |work=[[PM (ABC Radio)|PM]] |author1=Oriti, Thomas |author2=Bourke, Emily |date=3 February 2014 |publisher=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |location=Australia |access-date=4 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204070812/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-03/salvation-army-whistleblowers-dismissed-for-reporting-abuse/5235430 |archive-date=4 February 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ABCNews2014-02-04">{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-04/lawyers-seek-information-about-claims-boys-were-flown-interstat/5237482 |author=Oriti, Thomas |title=Salvation Army officers allegedly moved interstate if accused of child sex abuse |date=4 February 2014 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |location=Australia |access-date=5 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204132930/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-04/lawyers-seek-information-about-claims-boys-were-flown-interstat/5237482 |archive-date=4 February 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=case10>{{cite web |url=http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/case-study/6a3d5984-f16c-478e-8e1a-cb5b82541637/case-study-10,-march-2014,-sydney |title=Case Study 10, March 2014, Sydney |publisher=Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse |date=2014 |access-date=16 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423015106/http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/case-study/6a3d5984-f16c-478e-8e1a-cb5b82541637/case-study-10,-march-2014,-sydney |archive-date=23 April 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Kroc Centres ===
{{Main|Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Centers|l1 = Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Centres}}

In 2004, the Army in the United States received a US$1.6 billion donation in the will of [[Joan B. Kroc]], the third wife of former [[McDonald's]] CEO [[Ray Kroc]]. This donation was among the larger individual [[philanthropy|philanthropic]] gifts ever given to a single organisation. The donation came with certain restrictions, such as requiring the funds to be used on new rather than existing centers.<ref name="kroc">{{cite web |last=Nobles |first=Marla |date=1 November 2006 |title=Slow Going For Kroc Centers |url=http://www.thenonprofittimes.com/news-articles/slow-going-for-kroc-centers/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222213420/http://www.thenonprofittimes.com/news-articles/slow-going-for-kroc-centers/ |archive-date=22 February 2014 |access-date=25 June 2013 |work=The NonProfit Times |quote=When the Salvation Army of San Francisco broke ground this past June on a complex that would include a Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, the project became the first to make it through a maze of guidelines and restrictions to access a share of the $1.6 billion bequest to the Salvation Army from the McDonald's fast-food heiress.... Part of the challenge – and basis for much controversy – is raising matching funds within communities where donors now perceive the Salvation Army as affluent because of the gift.}}</ref> As of 2023, 26 new centers were opened using these funds.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-08 |title=How Joan Kroc's surprise $1.8 billion gift to the Salvation Army transformed 26 communities |url=https://apnews.com/article/joan-kroc-salvation-army-donation-1081f7d06f3691134fb13258380a4f44 |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>