Kraft Continues to Sponsor Gay Games

Shareholders of Kraft Foods have voted overwhelmingly to carry on with company plans to be among the sponsors of Gay Games in Chicago, say company spokesmen.

The issue was raised following a shareholder resolution calling for Kraft to cease sponsorship of the Gay Games and other gay events. At its annual stockholders meeting, 99% of Kraft's investors rejected the resolution proposed by Dr. Marcella Meyer of Chicago, a shareholder in the company.

Meyer claimed that the Gay Games promoted "homosexual activity" and would increase the transmission of AIDS and other sexual transmitted diseases. Meyer also claimed that the company could face a lawsuit if anyone contracted HIV at the event.

In a statement to employees, the vice president of Kraft, Marc Firestone said: "Diversity makes us a much stronger company and connects us with the diversity that exists among the consumers who buy our products."

Following the rejection of the resolution, Kraft will continue to donate $25,000 to the organizers of the Gay Games.