McDonalds a part of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce-Truth!

McDonald's Has Become a Part of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce-Truth!

Summary of the eRumor:
The eRumor says that McDonald's (the hamburger chain) has become part of a nationwide effort to promote gay and lesbian business ventures.

The Truth:
The forwarded email is from the text of an alert send to its members by the American Family Association (AFA).

According to both McDonald's and the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), this is true.

On the NGLCC website Richard Ellis, Vice President, Communications for McDonalds is listed at a member of the board of NGLCC.

One note: The quote by McDonald's CEO Jim Skinner is on the McDonald's website, but not with reference to the NGLCC. It appears in the "Corporate Responsibility Blog" from June, 2007 in a post about the annual shareholder's meeting. Skinner's remarks on that occasion do not include any reference to homosexual issues.

Updated 4/8/08

A real example of the eRumor as it has appeared on the Internet:

McDonald's CEO: Company will put full resources behind gay agenda

McDonald's has signed on to a nationwide effort to promote 'gay' and 'lesbian' business ventures.

According to McDonald’s CEO Jim Skinner, McDonald’s will aggressively promote the homosexual agenda. In remarks on McDonald's website concerning the company becoming a member of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), Skinner wrote: 'Being a socially responsible organization is a fundamental part of who we are. We have an obligation to use our size and resources to make a difference in the world … and we do.'

The company gave an undisclosed amount of money to the NGLCC in return for being recognized as a major promoter of the homosexual agenda. In return, NGLCC placed Richard Ellis, vice president of communications of McDonald’s USA, on the NGLCC Board of Directors.
Ellis was quoted as saying: 'I'm thrilled to join the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce team and ready to get to work. I share the NGLCC's passion for business growth and development within the LGBT community, and I look forward to playing a role in moving these important initiatives forward.'

McDonald's refused to comment to World Net Daily on the placement of its executive on the board of the 'gay' advocacy organization but did send an e-mail confirming the corporation's support for the agenda of the homosexual business lobby.

'McDonald's is indeed a Corporate Partner and Organizational Ally of NGLCC. Our vice president of U.S. communications, Richard Ellis, was recently elected to its board of directors,' said Heidi M. Barker, senior director of media relations for McDonald’s. NGLCC describes itself as promoting the LGBT community first and always, including same sex marriage.

NGLCC gives credit to sponsors such as McDonald's for its financial and other support that helps in its work. 'Through the commitment of our corporate partners, the NGLCC has been able to advance the ideas and causes of the LGBT business community,' the Chamber said.