The evangelical nonprofit organization is facing a major showdown with the city over a bill that would force it to offer health benefits to gay and unwed spouses of New York staffers. <\/p>\n
If the organization leaves town, it would give up $70 million a year in city funding. <\/p>\n
The loss of public financing – half the Army’s yearly budget in the city – would cripple its programs, which serve 5 million New Yorkers, the group says. <\/p>\n
Salvation Army insiders said they will refuse to comply with the proposed law because it goes against one of the organization’s core beliefs – that marriage is for straight couples only. <\/p>\n
“The Army will not change its policy,” said one official, who declined to be named. <\/p>\n
“You cannot change theological views. Those are so deeply embedded, they form the root of the faith itself.” <\/p>\n
The result could be a nightmare scenario for needy New Yorkers. <\/p>\n
One of the largest private providers in the city, the Salvation Army answers the call for the homeless, HIV sufferers, foster-care kids and troubled teens. <\/p>\n
The Salvation Army has several multiyear contracts with the city totaling $250 million. Six city contracts worth $12.8 million are to expire June 30, by which time the bill may be law. <\/p>\n
Salvation Army leaders have been debating the issue and are hoping for an exemption that would allow them to continue to operate here without offering the benefits. <\/p>\n