National LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall has responded to criticism from staff and campaigners of its work with weapons manufacturers, which has reportedly led to some staff stepping down.
Earlier this month, Third Force News reported concerns that defence firms BAE Systems, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman were all members of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions scheme, in which they pay the charity money to receive training and support to be recognised as “LGBTQ+ friendly” employers.
Stonewall also included BAE Systems on its list of “100 best employers for LGBTQ+ people 2024”.
Current and former employees and campaigners had all previously criticised the charity over the matter, with repeated calls on Stonewall to cease its relationships with arms companies.
Last month, LGBTQ+ campaigning organisation Queers for Palestine organised a protest outside the venue where Stonewall held its annual Equality Dinner, expressing concerns that weapons made by the firms were used in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
Stonewall CEO invites campaign group to meetings
Queers for Palestine reported that it had been in recent contact with former Stonewall employees who left the organisation as a result of its involvement with arms manufacturers, with concerns about the links raised since 2017.
The charity responded to concerns this week, inviting campaigners to a meeting and defending its Diversity Champions scheme work.
A Stonewall spokesperson told Civil Society: “Stonewall provides training and services to over 600 organisations around the world to improve workplace inclusion.
“LGBTQ+ people work in all sectors and for all sorts of reasons, sometimes through choice and sometimes through necessity and all LGBTQ+ people deserve to work in inclusive workplaces.
“We acknowledge the concerns that people have raised about some of the organisations we provide services to and appreciate the wide and varied views and perspectives that exist within the LGBTQ+ community.
“Stonewall believes in open and constructive dialogue to find common ground, even when there may not be consensus. We invited Queers for Palestine conveners with that in mind.
“Advocacy comes in many forms, and we would not be where we are today if we took one single approach in pursuit of a more equal world.
“We will always strive to work alongside groups across the LGBTQ+ sector to advance equality for all LGBTQ+ people.”
Civil Society has asked Queers for Palestine for further comment.
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