Lockheed Martin Ends Boy Scout Donations over Gay Scout Leaders Ban

Defense giant Lockheed Martin is ending donations to the Boy Scouts due to the organization’s ongoing ban on gay Scout Leaders. 

According to The Detroit News, spokesman Gordon Johndroe said the Boy Scouts do not reflect Lockheed Martin’s “corporate policies or commitment to diversity.” 

Johndroe added the following in a written statement:

We believe engaging with and funding an organization that openly discriminates is in conflict with our policies. While we applaud the mission of the Boy Scouts and the good things they do in our communities, their policies that discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and religious affiliation conflict with Lockheed Martin policies.

Boy Scouts spokesman Deron Smith responded: “We respect the company’s right to express its own opinion and appreciate its recognition that Scouting is a valuable organization.” 

Lockheed Martin joins computerchip maker Intel, Merck & Co., and UPS Inc. in abandoning support for the Boy Scouts.

Follow AWR Hawkins on Twitter @AWRHawkins.