Conservative group says AARP promotes radical "homosexual agenda"

Not usually a target of anti-LGBT ire, the AARP has been accused of being a fringe organization

Published May 16, 2013 4:16PM (EDT)

  (Shutterstock)
(Shutterstock)

The American Family Association has accused the American Association of Retired Persons of being a fringe organization that promotes a "homosexual agenda" that does not represent older American's "values and standards."

Why? Because, in addition to coupons for Outback Steakhouse and discounts on prescription refills, the retiree organization's website has a page to provide "resources, news, and other topics of interest to older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, their family and friends."

As Zack Ford at ThinkProgress notes, LGBT adults and seniors face unique challenges later in life, like navigating Social Security benefits, estate taxes and other issues; AARP's resource center addresses those needs.

The AARP's inclusive policy to serve all of its members equally prompted AFA to issue a statement accusing the group of using member fees to advocate "special rights for immoral behavior."

AFA executive vice president Buddy Smith added: "Be very careful that you know what your fees are going for because the AARP is not on your side. If you are a Christian and believe in biblical values, you can pretty much count on the fact that everything that you are in favor of, the AARP is opposing."


By Katie McDonough

Katie McDonough is Salon's politics writer, focusing on gender, sexuality and reproductive justice. Follow her on Twitter @kmcdonovgh or email her at kmcdonough@salon.com.

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