S. Army Risks Loss Of $5m Contracts (Press, 24 December 1983)

In December 1983, the Salvation Army in New York faced a potential loss of $5 million in contracts due to its refusal to sign a pledge against discrimination based on sexual orientation. This requirement was part of a city policy initiated by Mayor Edward Koch, whereby all city contractors, starting from January 1983, were mandated to affirm that they would not discriminate against employees regarding various factors, including sexual orientation. A spokesman for Mayor Koch reiterated that there would be no exceptions to this rule. Lieutenant Colonel Roland Schram, the Salvation Army's chief of New York operations, stated that while the organisation does not discriminate in hiring homosexuals, it cannot sign the pledge due to its national policy as a fundamentalist Christian group. Schram expressed concern about the perception of undermining family values and endorsing what he referred to as an "alternative lifestyle," which he identified as homosexuality. The Salvation Army currently provides services to around 2,100 individuals daily, supported by 225 employees, and operates additional centres for the needy. Despite the ongoing discussions, Douglas White, director of the city’s Bureau of Labour Services, maintained that the city could not engage with entities unwilling to comply with the pledge. He emphasised that the pledge is designed to ensure fairness in employment practices among city contractors. Colonel Schram hoped for a resolution in a meeting with city officials planned for January 4, 1984, stating that failure to reach an agreement could adversely affect the individuals who rely on the Salvation Army’s services. In a separate but related matter in Los Angeles, controversy arose when a local unit of the United States Marines refused Christmas presents intended for underprivileged children that had been collected by a homosexual bar. The Marine spokesman, Gunnery Sergeant Tom Briggs, expressed his reluctance to associate Marines with a gay bar, suggesting that the gifts should be sent anonymously to the Marines' barracks instead. This incident highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding issues of sexual orientation and institutional affiliations during the holiday season.

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