Henson Company breaks off relationship with Chick-Fil-A over gay marriage stance
The Jim Henson Company has announced via it’s Facebook page that it no longer wishes to partner with Chick-Fil-A because Henson’s company supports gay marriage.
“… on Friday, the Jim Henson Company posted the following statement to their Facebook page:”
“The Jim Henson Company has celebrated and embraced diversity and inclusiveness for over fifty years and we have notified Chick-Fil-A that we do not wish to partner with them on any future endeavors. Lisa Henson, our CEO is personally a strong supporter of gay marriage and has directed us to donate the payment we received from Chick-Fil-A to GLAAD. (http://www.glaad.org/)”
“With this, The Jim Henson Company joins the ranks of Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, who has vowed to block Chick-fil-A from opening a restaurant in the city, office star Ed Helms who tweeted that the chain had “lost a loyal fan,” and the countless individuals who have taken to social media to voice disapproval, including those planning a National Same Sex Kiss Day on August 3, in condemning the Chick-Fil-A’s CEO’s opposition to same sex marriage. “
A fan site reports that Chick-Fil-A kids meals were featuring a Jim Henson Creature Shop make-your-own puppet toy from mid July to Aug. 18th.
How do you feel about Chick-Fil-A’s stance on gay marriage? Does it influence your decision to buy your food there either way? If you are offended, it is hard to give it up? (That is some yummy chicken.) Do you think the owners should stop talking about their views?
(I know this is a polarizing issue but please try to stay polite and discuss it like adults. No name calling please.)
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1,331 comments Add your comment
Lisa
July 24th, 2012
10:11 am
I am a firm believer in the idea of marriage being between a man and women. Those that believe otherwise are very confused. God made Adam and Eve not Steve and Steve or Eve and Eve. I applaud Chic-Fila for standing their ground. For those that say otherwise are why this country is like it is. We have lost sight on why God created this world. Yes we are to love everyone regardless of what they believe but NOT their SIN. God said he will judge us. We aren’t judging anyone we are stating a bibical fact. Those that don’t like it too bad. I for one am tired of being stero-typed “anti-gay, anti-abortion, prejudice.
Say What??
July 24th, 2012
10:11 am
@ Melanie, Really. What if a business refused to serve Blacks….would that be okay? I don’t believe business has the right to run their business anyway they want. If that were true, labor unions would have never have been created.
The Truth
July 24th, 2012
10:12 am
I love Chic-fil-a! And, I could give a rip what the Henson Company does. Means nothing to me… And truly I would rather eat chicken than choke one.
Kay
July 24th, 2012
10:12 am
For crying in a bucket!!!! If Chick-Fil-A (and may I remind you they are a privately owned company) decides this, then that is their own business!
Why everytime someone decides against the current counter culture, then they are hung out to dry. Every time I pass a Chick-Fil-A on a Sunday and see their doors shuttered, I silently say to myself “it’s good to see someone have the courage of their convictions and not worship at the altar of the almighty dollar”!
If someone has a problem with Chick-Fil-A on this, then they need to go to the hamburger joint down the street for a meal!
Dan is the Man
July 24th, 2012
10:12 am
@Chuck, it’s a dogma eats dogma world out there, especially if the dogma eats other dogmas. LMAO
Chris
July 24th, 2012
10:12 am
I saw Bert and Ernie making out in a car in the Zaxby’s parking lot.
JB
July 24th, 2012
10:13 am
Gay crowd………Are you going to do a support/non support litmus test on every place you do business. What if your Doctor or Dentist is a Christian ? Being Christian doesn’t mean hate. As a Christian, you are taught to pray for non believers, sinners. Talk about the Lord. Mr Cathy was setting the perfect Christian example. What’s he taught, his belief, …….He certainly means no harm to you…or wants to deny you a chicken sandwich.
Who gives a .......
July 24th, 2012
10:13 am
steve
July 24th, 2012
9:57 am
Oh, brother, cry me a river. If you’re straight and work at CFA you need to dial it back as well.
kurz
July 24th, 2012
10:13 am
Everyone has a right to his/her opinion. The problem I have with gay activists is that if you don’t agree with their views, you are full of hate and should be scorned. How is that being open-minded? Chick-Fil-A (as well as any other business) has a right to support whatever causes they want to and should be able to do so without being scandalized. While I don’t agree with the gay agenda, I do agree that gays have the right to express their views. I will continue to support Chick-Fil-A.
Broc
July 24th, 2012
10:13 am
You know, I think it’s AWESOME that we have so many bigots in this comment string … and I bet you all enthusiastically support the No Bullying campaign … hmmmm … I just pray that each and everyone of you are teaching your kids to have the same views so that future generations can also have as much enjoyment as you are judging others. I wonder how much support you would have if Chick-Fil-A actually came out saying they only support marriage between a white man and a white woman. LOL. Or that they don’t like Asians … too funny. I love how people pick and choose what they want to get on their soapbox for. Spread love … not discrimination and planting seeds for bullying.
Tom
July 24th, 2012
10:13 am
I ran over your dogma with my karma.
Innocent Bystander
July 24th, 2012
10:14 am
I’m starting to see the same old tired line about gays wanting the same rights as everyone else. Let’s be honest, you DO have the same rights as everyone else. You have the same right that I do to marry a member of the opposite sex. The truth is, you want SPECIAL “rights” created just for you. I hate to have to be the one to break it to you, but you are not a unique snowflake.
Who gives a .......
July 24th, 2012
10:14 am
JB
July 24th, 2012
10:13 am
Amen, brother!
Tampa Gator
July 24th, 2012
10:15 am
“I want to thank the Cathy family for standing up for what is right and refusing to compromise and accept a sinful and disgusting lifestyle like so many people do today (this is not “hate;” this is truth).”
@ChickFilA Forever…..
Sure sounds like hate to me. But…if not….is sure is intolerance of others….which breeds more intolerance and then lots of hate of others different than myself or ourselves….and even worse (see circa 1940s)…….some would like to take us back to those second dark ages.
Mike Geigerman
July 24th, 2012
10:15 am
Eat more chicken …. Homo cows hate Sundays now.
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
July 24th, 2012
10:15 am
I don’t know about the rest of you all but I’m sure getting sick and tired of having liberal dogma shoved down my throat…
I have found that those who complain the most about having something shoved down their throat are the same ones who will swallow anything.
JB
July 24th, 2012
10:15 am
Say What?/…………….Boy you jumped out off the tracks. No one is denying no one anything.
Dan is the Man
July 24th, 2012
10:16 am
@ Tom, is that the new hybrid karma?
Jlt0729
July 24th, 2012
10:16 am
Sounds like a great place to have lunch or dinner…you won’t have to deal with the lifestyle since gays and lesbians are boycotting.
Progress
July 24th, 2012
10:18 am
It’s amazing to me how many people are so eager to deny others equal rights on an issue that will have no effect on them. Nobody is trying to force anything on you; you’re trying to impose your religious beliefs on others and prevent gay people from being married. And what’s worse is that you’re justifying your views based on the bible, which is an immoral work of fiction. Your religion will someday soon go the way of all the other ancient myths. It’s amazing that in the year 2012 anyone still believes that foolishness. It’s straight out of a fairy tale and unethical to boot. Christians are the scum of the earth.
BT
July 24th, 2012
10:18 am
Llike the song says…”take a stand for something so you don’t fall for anything!” I for one am proud of what Chick-fil-a stands for!
Jerome Horwitz
July 24th, 2012
10:18 am
The Bible was written by humans who were giving you their interpretation of their God’s word. Outside of Jesus don’t think anyone has actually met God, except in a vision, and still roamed the planet. So be very careful. And hope when you meet your maker you weren’t being handed a line all these years. We’ll all find out one day and no one knows. And faith doesn’t count.
anon1
July 24th, 2012
10:18 am
In this case Chick-Fil-A is not refusing to serve anyone or restrict their hiring practices. You have the owner expressing his opinion, but his opinion does not determine who is served or hired by his business. If you disagree with him, you have the right to express your opinion or avoid his business. I don’t necessarily agree with him, but he isn’t exactly someone that I see as a role model for the youth.
I do like his cow commercials though.
Businessman
July 24th, 2012
10:19 am
Hate. Intolerance. Discrimination. Those are words Cathy’s opponents keep using to bash him. But read his statement. Nowhere in there will you find hate. He never even suggested that any employees, customers or store owners should be discriminated against. And people who tout “tolerance” are completely intolerant of those who hold different views, no matter how diplomatically try to express them. And what the Boston mayor wants to do is no less a violation of church-state than having a pregame prayer.
Chicken Man
July 24th, 2012
10:19 am
I’m not a huge fan of Chick-Fil-A but I absolutaly admire the managment of Chick-Fil-A for stating their views without regards to how it affects the finiancial bottom line but more concern about how they are viewed by God. I’m going to Chick-Fil-A today for lunch!
Tampa Gator
July 24th, 2012
10:19 am
Innocent Bystander…..
In the 1700’s….the people of 13 North American colonies wanted “special, individual rights” created just for them…..it was called the Declaration of Independence…..and they asked those special rights from the oppressive King of England. And after they fought for those rights…..they then wrote something to protect those rights…..called the U.S. Constitution…..and that included a Bill of Rights that has been amended over and over again to include additional individual rights that needed to be protected. But…..what would our forefathers know about anything….right?
Sam
July 24th, 2012
10:19 am
GAY, STRAIGHT,BI or TRANSEXUAL ……. Who Cares? WHO ARE WE TO JUDGE OTHERS? This World would be a better place to live, if we all put our difference a side and learn to respect others.
Marie
July 24th, 2012
10:19 am
I am proud of the stand that Chick-Fil-A has taken. We will all wish we had taken the same stand when all is said and done. If God is against sin, why should we stand with it? What we as a people fail to do is to realize that God IS GOD and nothing we can do will change that. What I would like to know is, Is there anything that is a sin? Is it a sin to steal? Is it a sin to commit adultery? Is is a sin for families to be broken up because of adultery? Is it a sin to go against the Word of God? Yes it is a sin to commit murder with a weapon, however, is it a sin to kill when we go against what God has ordained in His word?
a_mom
July 24th, 2012
10:19 am
Gay people would have a lot more support from mainstream America if they would put their efforts into civil unions instead of calling it “marriage”. Push for legal rights similar to marriage (inheritance, hospital visitation, etc.) that you say you don’t currently have now. By trying to make it a religious marriage, rather than a legal one/civil union, you are asking people to go against their religious beliefs. Not sure about this, but I believe Jewish and Muslim faiths as well as Christian all have tenets regarding homosexuality.
atlgirl
July 24th, 2012
10:20 am
Who cares The CEO of Jim Henson Company go offended. Sooo what!!!!!!
Only children still get offended. In other words the CEO of Jim Henson COmpany is the one with the problem.
Who cares if she got offended. He/She is still acting like a spoiled kid.
Business should be business and should reflect whats best for the company. Also, business decisions should not be made emotionally.
The CEO of Jim Henson Company is making a very bad emotional decision and it wil leventually cost her company to potentially fail.
I would be extremely happy any day if I was partnered with a Christian based company. This CEO just cut off their blessing on becoming a prosperous organization. Those muppets were already washed up and Chik Fil A company was doing them a favor.
Lastly, the CEO for Jim Henson company made a very bad emotion decision…..Oh he did not speak to me.
Dr. C. Edward Koop, M.D.
July 24th, 2012
10:20 am
At Chick-fil-a, at least you don’t have to worry about any homo-types working there putting their STDs in your food like you do over at someplace like that Clowny McDonald joint that scrapes the bottom of the societal barrel for their paycheck drawers.
Dan
July 24th, 2012
10:20 am
Persons in business should not interject their political or religious beliefs, no matter what they may be.
Kelly
July 24th, 2012
10:20 am
I think this is almost reverse discrimination. Why is it not okay for them to feel this way? They have always held to Christian beliefs. This is nothing new. Their food is great and their customer service is hard to beat. They are always so friendly. They aren’t refusing to serve homosexuals or treat them with respect. They just don’t believe homosexuals should get married, just like some people believe they should. I think people look for ways to get offended. I’m proud of their integrity to stand by their beliefs, even if it means upsetting some.
bev
July 24th, 2012
10:21 am
I think it is fine for Chick-fil-a to have a stance on the gay marriage—I also think it is fine for the Muppets to have their stance on this issue too.
JB
July 24th, 2012
10:21 am
Jerome………………….FAITH………..The believe in someone or something that you cannot see, or touch or hear……..Stop in a church sometime for a lesson if you’re gonna play.
Lynn O
July 24th, 2012
10:22 am
I echo the sentiments of many here on this page. I believe everyone should fight for their rights as individuals. I support freedom to choose. If you are gay and you wish to have legal partner benefits that have been denied, by all means, stand up and be counted. I also believe that it is the right of any to have DIFFERENT and separate opinions and beliefs and they should not be persecuted because of them. Truett Cathy is one of the most decent human beings I know (and I have had the pleasure of meeting him.) He has mentored many hundreds of young men and women and didn’t harm or molest any of them as so many “fine leaders” of today are doing. I believe his business and his character should not be assaulted because of his beliefs just like all the Hollywood folks that seem to guide and direct our nations thoughts should be persecuted. Believe what you will, but do not make EVERYONE out to be bad guys because they don’t believe what you do.
Colleen
July 24th, 2012
10:22 am
We should not compromise our Christian values. The bible clearly defines the joining of man and woman. In addition, the bible condemns the sin of homosexuality. I applaud Chic-Fila for taking a stand on family values. I will join the people who support the initiative on Chic-Fila’s position on family values on 8/1/2012.
JB
July 24th, 2012
10:23 am
DAN, does that go both ways? ( no pun intended)
Tampa Gator
July 24th, 2012
10:24 am
another point…….
Every been to a Chick Fil A and just admire how they run their business and treat customers? Also…when was the last time your order was messed up by someone working at CFA? I am sure it happens, but not very often….as in a lot at other fast food places who have lesser standards of operation. I admire CFA for business operation….and their quality food production….without compromise so far. I do not fully agree with Mr. Cathy’s view….but I understand it and fully support his right to voice it. And his view will not have any impact whatsoever on me eating at CFA. If they lower their food production standards and hire poor employees….then those things will change my eating habits.
Dan is the Man
July 24th, 2012
10:24 am
. “Guilty as charged,” Cathy said when asked about the company’s support of what the Press describes as “the traditional family.” “We are very much supportive of the family—the biblical definition of the family unit,” Cathy explained. “We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that.
Chick-fil-A gave about $2 million to anti-gay groups in 2010, according to a report by Equality Matters.
“We intend to stay the course,” Cathy said in the Baptist Press interview. “We know that it might not be popular with everyone, but thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share out values and operate on biblical principles.”
Pops
July 24th, 2012
10:25 am
Chick-Fil-A is the best fast-food restaurant chain in the world, because they care. They stress cleanliness, friendliness, consistency and quality. Truett Cathy is a great philanthropist from the bygone era when sex wasn’t discussed in the open, out of respect for children. He simply stated his personal belief, which is a constitutional right in our great country.
The Muppets were once a great media phenomenon but have been irrelevant for the past twenty years. My six year-old grandson has never cared for them. Lisa Henson has overreacted here. I don’t necessarily agree with Cathy’s remarks on this issue, but Henson has blown them out of proportion, making this a heated, divisive issue. But she is free to choose not to partner with Chick-Fil-A, just as we are all free to choose whether or not to dine there, or whether or not to buy Muppets products.
As a citizen of America, I believe gays and lesbians should have the same rights as anyone else. But as a grandfather, I find their over-the-top antics, like “National Same Sex Kiss Day,” rather distasteful. I think they would garner a lot more sympathy from the populace if they would stop parading down main street in day-glo Speedos and show a little social restraint, out of respect for children.
JB
July 24th, 2012
10:26 am
You are 2%…………..not the 40% Hollywood and press want you to believe. Go eat at McDonalds.
JB
July 24th, 2012
10:27 am
Amen Pops…..Lot’s of them giving their social efforts a bad name.
Wanda
July 24th, 2012
10:28 am
All I can say is I would rather eat at Chik-fil-a than any other fast food restaurant. The food is good and the employees are polite. Can’t say that for burger king, mcdonalds most of the time. This is so silly.
Robert
July 24th, 2012
10:28 am
I can’t stand CFA food! But I’ll start eating it to offset all the other bigots that decide to quit eating it.
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
July 24th, 2012
10:29 am
Also…when was the last time your order was messed up by someone working at CFA?
Three weeks ago, and the punk working the drive thru was determined not to give me my $1 change back. I had to remind him and he still wanted to argue.
Tampa Gator
July 24th, 2012
10:29 am
Finally…..
This society has much bigger issues than Gay marriage…..if you don’t believe me……ask the families of those people killed in that theater in Colorado….or the families of those who were sexually molested by a mentally sick coach at Penn State. And the list goes on…….like the ease of someone being able to purchase, own, or have assault weapons and explosives. I doubt the majority supports assault weapons purchase…..but DON’T DARE TRY TO CHANGE THE GUN LAWS in this country….even though 6 year old kids are being killed by the laws that currently exist.
Jerome Horwitz
July 24th, 2012
10:30 am
JB – Grew up in very church orientated family. Actually a liberal Protestant church that’s very accepting. If being Christain means believing what most of the Christain posters here believe I’ll stay a secular type.
ACC
July 24th, 2012
10:30 am
Wow it disgusts me that do many in these posts defend hate and bigotry as “good moral values”. I’m not certain they understand the meaning of good moral values.
a_mom
July 24th, 2012
10:30 am
The thing that upsets me about how the gays are reacting is this… they aren’t mad because Dan Cathy/Chik-fil-a is discriminating against serving or hiring them, they’re going beserk because he has a different OPINION than them. Be careful, because the Thought Police may come after you next!