Claims of homophobia existing within the Salvation Army‘s youth support centre in Surry Hills, Sydney, have emerged – according to a report filed by The Sydney Morning Herald today.
SMH reports that an internal investigation at the Oasis Youth Support Network is currently underway, after a woman was allegedly encouraged to “pray” her attraction to women away.
A statement from the Salvation Army acknowledged the alleged incident as one related to ‘sexual orientation’.
“The incident relates to alleged comments made to a client in relation to ‘sexual orientation’. The Salvation Army is conducting an investigation into the alleged incident and is providing counselling support to both the client and staff of the Oasis Youth Support Network at this time.Salvation Army officers and staff treat every person who comes into our care with non-judgmental respect and acceptance no matter what their situation or circumstance.”
The Salvation Army have not been immune to similar issues in the past: in 2012, the Salvation Army was deeply mired in controversy after a senior member of the charity spoke on Melbourne radio, claiming the death of all homosexuals was “part of our belief system.”
And in March this year, the Royal Commission into child sexual abuse received a damning report against the Salvation Army, claiming a number of sexual abuse cases against children in NSW and Queensland—in a period spanning the 1950s to 1970s—were wrongfully ignored.
The US branch of The Salvation Army has also drawn criticism in the past, eventually leading to a recent campaign by the charity, “Debunking The Myth” strongly claiming that the charity “does not discriminate.”
The Oasis Youth Support Network, offering accommodation and drop-in services for young people in Sydney, has been operational since 1992.
via SMH.
Lead image via Getty.
