The Millikin community, as well as many other communities nationwide, have been in a state of disgust since an article named, Salvation Army Says ‘Gays Need to be Put to Death’” reared its ugly head on Facebook. With my first read through of this article, I was disgusted beyond belief. How could we donate our money to a hate group disguised as do-gooders? I had to investigate.

The article thrown about on the web is only partly reliable. In fact, they even photo shopped the main picture. However, there is a bit of truth to their claim. Last year, in 2012, the Salvation Army did express their non-acceptance of LGBTQ rights and gay marriage. This article also stated that last year the Salvation Army broadcasted their belief that LGBTQ parents “should be put to death.”

After a lot of research, I found that the Salvation Army does not actually feel this way. In fact, the media relations director, Andrew Craibe— who is credited with saying these horrible things— was fired soon after the radio interview. Salvation Army has also “taken back” the statement and apologized for the misunderstanding. Even if the Salvation Army doesn’t believe in the rights or lifestyle of homosexuals, they will not turn them away. So the question remains, do we continue to support the Salvation Army even if they have chosen to not stand for the basic rights of all Americans?

Personally, I’m disgusted by the fact that any of this happened. I’m even more disgusted that we have been donating to a group that some may now consider a “hate group.” However, the truth remains; the Salvation Army does a lot of good for the less fortunate. It is because of this group that needy families and the homeless are given beds to sleep in, hot meals and other necessities. Do I wish for them to be accepting of all people? Absolutely; but for now, we have to take them as we can have them. I will continue to throw some change in their little red buckets, will you?