Salvation Army accused of discrimination

Bush's faith-based public works prime example shows the flaws in the scheme.

Current and former Salvation Army employees sued the organization famous for its red Christmas kettles Tuesday, alleging the government-funded group preached religious and sexual intolerance to its staff.

The workers accused the Salvation Army of creating a hostile work environment for about 600 employees who provide social services for more than 2,000 children in New York state.

The charitable organization required employees to pledge to preach the Gospel, to identify their church affiliation and to authorize their religious leaders to reveal private information to the Salvation Army, according to the lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union's New York chapter.

The organization receives $89 million, the bulk of its funding for child care, from the government.

One plaintiff, Margaret Geissman, said she quit her job as a human resources manager last year after she was harassed by her bosses for refusing to reveal staffers' religions and sexual orientations.

"As a Christian, I deeply resent the use of discriminatory employment practices in the name of Christianity," she said.