Gold’s Gym CEO Robert Rowlings, a Texas billionaire, has given $2 million to American Crossroads, which supports anti-Gay candidates. Rowlings, who is the CEO of Gold’s parent corporation, TFT Holdings said he was merely supporting fiscally conservative groups.

However several LGBT groups, including the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force aren’t buying it. In addition Change.org has launched a petition demanding Gold’s stop supporting anti-Gay candidates.

Several Gold’s franchise gyms in Northern California have withdrawn from the chain due to the controversy.

Gold’s gym was founded in Venice by Joe Gold, who later sold the business.