Connecticut Comptroller Kevin Lembo is investigating possible discrimination involving the American Family Association (AFA).
Lembo announced the probe Wednesday, saying the AFA “may have violated” state rules governing the Connecticut State Employee Campaign for Charitable Giving (CSEC), which prohibit discrimination.
Founded as the National Federation for Decency in 1977, the AFA is a nonprofit that describes itself as “on the frontlines of America’s culture war.” The AFA, on its website, claims to seek to “hold companies accountable” that “attack traditional family values” by “combatting the homosexual agenda.”
Lembo acts as administrator of the CSEC, an initiative to enable and encourage state employees to donate to charitable organizations. State employees donate millions of dollars every year through the CSEC, benefiting hundreds of charities. All beneficiaries must submit anti-discrimination certification annually.
In Wednesday’s letter to the American Family Association, Lembo raised questions about what, if any, charitable services the AFA is delivering and said there are indications that the AFA may be violating the campaign’s anti-discrimination prohibitions – a possibility he called “extremely troubling.” Lembo is the state’s first openly gay statewide elected official.
“The AFA’s public statements and mission not only appear to discriminate against the LGBTQ communities, as well as Muslims who choose to serve and protect our country by enlisting in the U.S. military, but it remains unclear what actual charitable services the AFA provides that qualifies it to participate in the CSEC.”
The AFA’s efforts have included a nationwide petition to boycott Target for the company’s inclusive transgender restroom policy and denouncing Zales for “normalizing sin” by advertising wedding bands to same-sex couples.
Lembo said the AFA has also reportedly spoken out in recent years against gay and Muslim individuals serving in the U.S. military, and has equated homosexuality with pedophilia, disease and violence.
AFA General counsel Abraham Hamilton III and President Tim Wildmon could not be reached for comment.
