HRC Cuts Ties with Northrop Grumman and RTX After Activist Pressure — Stops Short of Permanent Divestment or Arms Embargo

Human Rights Campaign ends sponsorships with major weapons firms after sustained activism

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization in the United States, has confirmed it has ended sponsorships with two major defense contractors — Northrop Grumman and RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon Technologies) — following more than two years of pressure from LGBTQ+ and pro-Palestinian activist groups.

A spokesperson for HRC told The Advocate, "We are not currently sponsored by Northrop Grumman or Raytheon." The organization also condemned the humanitarian toll of the conflict in Gaza, noting the devastation to civilians and aid workers. HRC emphasized that its primary mission remains advancing LGBTQ+ equality in the United States while speaking out about interconnected threats such as rising extremism, Islamophobia, antisemitism and anti-LGBTQ+ hatred.

"What’s happening in Gaza and throughout the region is devastating. The starvation of children and families, the violence to its people and aid workers is horrific," the spokesperson said. "Our national corporate partners represent companies that have demonstrated a high level of commitment to equality. When it comes to corporate advocacy, our responsibility is to make the places where LGBTQ+ people live and work safer and more inclusive."

The campaign to sever ties began after large-scale hostilities in 2023. Activist groups including the Gender Liberation Movement, the Adalah Justice Project, ACT UP NY, Writers Against the War on Gaza and No Pride in Genocide demanded that HRC take three steps:

• Cut ties with all weapons manufacturers and institutions profiting from what they describe as genocide and militarism in Palestine, the U.S., and globally;
• Commit not to enter future partnerships with such weapons manufacturers and institutions;
• Publicly call for an immediate arms embargo on Israel to stop further deliveries of weapons.

HRC’s decision ends the specific sponsorship relationships named by protesters but did not include a public commitment to permanent divestment from defense contractors nor an explicit call for an arms embargo on Israel — actions some activists continue to demand.

Responding to HRC’s announcement, the Adalah Justice Project and the Gender Liberation Movement said in a joint statement that divestment and accountability remain necessary while strikes and alleged war crimes continue. "Our work is not finished, and we remain committed to the struggle," the groups wrote, urging organizations to prioritize safety and justice over proximity to power.

Northrop Grumman is among the world’s largest defense firms. According to the American Friends Service Committee, its contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense from 2008 through August 2024 totaled more than $173.5 billion and include missiles, guided projectiles, electronic warfare and surveillance systems, ammunition, military aviation platforms, cybersecurity systems and other defense technologies.

HRC reiterated that it will continue to focus on its roughly 3.6 million members and supporters, concentrating advocacy efforts on schools, workplaces, legislatures, courthouses and the White House to defend LGBTQ+ civil rights, counter anti-LGBTQ+ extremism, protect democracy and build more inclusive institutions.

Note: This report is based on HRC's statement to The Advocate and responses from activist groups. The article seeks to present the sequence of events and the positions of each party while preserving reported facts and direct statements.