McDonald’s Will Not Confirm Nor Deny AFA’s Gay Claims


Why can’t McDonald’s be straight with the gays?

The American Family Association last week claimed victory in a boycott against McDonald’s, which the right-wing organization claimed endorsed same-sex rights because their vice-president of communications, a gay man Richard Ellis, donated to the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. McDonald’s was also once listed as a sponsor of a NGLCC event.

The queer connections rubbed the AFA the wrong way, of course, but they’re now insisting McDonald’s crumbled under conservative pressure and has committed to their cause. McDonald’s, however, refuses to agree – or disagree – with the AFA’s take.

In their press release last week, the AFA assured supporters McDonald’s was on their side:

In an e-mail to McDonald’s franchised owners the company said, “It is our policy to not be involved in political and social issues. McDonald’s remains neutral on same sex marriage or any ‘homosexual agenda’ as defined by the American Family Association.”

Scads of gays scratched their head at this statement, including David Guggenheim, producer for homo-journo Michelangelo Signorile’s radio show. Did McDonald’s really back the AFA, or were the AFA leaders twisting words to stroke their collective ego?

Hoping to get to the bottom of this mystery, Guggenheim asked McDonald’s for a simple statement on their apparent settlement with the AFA. The fast-food franchise’s response opened with this ridiculously broad statement: “As we’ve said all along, McDonald’s stands by and supports our people. Diversity and inclusion are integral components of our brand and our heritage.”

Still curious, Guggenheim specifically pressed the AFA’s claims that McDonald’s saw things their way. Again, McDonald’s skirted the issue, replying, “McDonald’s will neither confirm nor deny the authenticity of the “e-mail to McDonald’s franchised owners” referred to in the release.” We’re not loving this…

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