News

By Peter J. Smith

OAK BROOK, Illinois, July 11, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Fast food giant McDonald’s is returning fire against a pro-family boycott, saying family advocates opposed to their affiliation with pro-homosexual organizations are guilty of “hate.”

The American Family Association has led the boycott of McDonald’s restaurants since July 3, after the global hamburger empire refused requests to remain neutral in the culture wars and to withdraw their public support from the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), a homosexual lobby that pushes same-sex “marriage.”

Instead, McDonald’s spokesman Bill Whitman told the Washington Post that the boycott was motivated by “hate” and McDonald’s would continue to remain in the NGLCC.

“Hatred has no place in our culture,” McDonald’s USA spokesman Bill Whitman said. “That includes McDonald’s, and we stand by and support our people to live and work in a society free of discrimination and harassment.”

However, the AFA, which has over 2.2 million members, has pointed out that its boycott has nothing to do with McDonald’s homosexual employees, but everything to do with McDonald’s cash from its 31,000 restaurants worldwide flowing from families into anti-family endeavors. (https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/jul/08070402.html)

“This boycott is not about hiring homosexuals, or homosexuals eating at McDonald’s, or how homosexual employees are treated,” stated the AFA. “It is about McDonald’s, as a corporation, choosing to put the full weight of their corporation behind promoting the homosexual agenda, including homosexual marriage.”

McDonald’s established closer ties with the NGLCC earlier this year by donating $20,000 to obtain membership as a “Corporate Partner and Organizational Ally” and a seat on the group’s board of directors.

Richard Ellis, Vice President of Communications for McDonald’s USA, now sits on the NGLCC’s board and has stated on the NGLCC website, “I’m thrilled to join the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and ready to go to work.”

The NGLCC frequently lobbies Congress on same-sex “marriage” and other aspects of the homosexual agenda.

The NGLCC website proudly lists McDonald’s, along with hamburger rival Burger King, US film giant Kodak, AT&T, among 87 supporting major companies, saying, “Through the commitment of our corporate partners, the NGLCC has been able to advance the ideas and causes of the LGBT business community.”

Although unrelated to its current membership in the NGLCC, previous statements made by CEO Jim Skinner from a June 2007 annual shareholder’s meeting indicate McDonald’s will promote issues they approve.

“Being a socially responsible organization is a fundamental part of who we are,” said Skinner. “We have an obligation to use our size and resources to make a difference in the world…and we do.”

The AFA boycott petition may be found here:
https://www.boycottmcdonalds.com/

Contact info for McDonald’s:

Andrew J. McKenna, President
  McDonald’s Corporation USA
  McDonald’s Plaza
  Oak Brook, IL  60523
  Phone: 1-800-244-6227
  or: 630-623-3000
  Fax: 630-623-5004
  Website email:  https://www.mcdonalds.com/app_controller.custsat.custsat_form_social.html

McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada Limited
  McDonald’s Place
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  M3C 3L4
  Ph: (416) 443-3932
  Fax: (416) 446-3443

  See previous and related coverage by LifeSiteNews.com:

Golden Arches Awash in Rainbow Colors: Family Group Boycotts McDonalds for Support for Homosexual Agenda
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/jul/08070402.html

McDonald’s Throws up A Smoke Screen to Cover Support for Homosexual Agenda
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/apr/08040905.html

Ronald McDonald Cozies Up To Homosexual Movement
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/mar/08033105.html

Heinz in Pickle as Gay Mayo Ad Continues to Spread Backlash – Now Gays Join Boycott Bandwagon
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/jun/08062611.html