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
Bearcrazyman
July 24th, 2012
6:40 am
Invigga Please!
Sammy
July 24th, 2012
6:42 am
Is the “progressive” position that we should all be free to express our views except if they contradict the left wing hobby horse of the moment? Then we should either be viciously attacked or just keep quiet.
Progressive politics always lead to stalinism controlling our speech and eventually our thought.
bob
July 24th, 2012
6:42 am
Robin, how is it hateful to support marraige between a man and a woman. The only hate is the hate you may feel for people that have a differant opinion.
Ain't That the Truth, Ruth
July 24th, 2012
6:44 am
I don’t think “yummy” is an adjective that meets professional newspaper standards. Oh, wait, this is the AJC.
Smooth
July 24th, 2012
6:48 am
1st: I have a problem with the CEO of The Jim Henson Company for taking the donations that Chick-fil-A has given them and donating it to an organization that they know has views directly opposite of Chick-fil-A. If you do not want the money then return it.
2nd: How dare the Mayor of a major city, who claims diversity openly oppose a company because it does not agree with the views of another organization. As Mayor he is suppose to represent the entire city of Boston, not just the ones who agree with him(Diversity).
I guess based on his logic, he is only representing the republican population of the city. Sorry democrats, but you will have to wait your turn.
Gail
July 24th, 2012
6:51 am
Dan Cathy’s comments regarding marriage were in an interview with the Baptist Press.
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=38271
He did not just go out and make a statement regarding same sex marriage. In fact, he never mentioned it. Just said they are supportitive of the family – the biblical definition. Surprise, surprise!
Don’t believe he ever said they wouldn’t serve gays.
And regarding anti-gay donations, how is the FCA is anti-gay?
SMM
July 24th, 2012
6:52 am
I suppose I’m a bit confused by two things — I don’t understand the hoopla, and I’m not sure why the CFA leadership waded into this. From the tiime Truett Cathy came to our class one evening at GA State nearly thirty years ago, I’ve viewed him as one of my corporate heroes. Anyone who listens to Mr. Cathy for five minutes couldn’t possibly be confused about where he stands — and I appreciate his strength of position – even if I don’t always agree with it. So it should be no surprise that CFA would have this position. I’m very left-leaning, but I respect this family’s right to have it’s views. In fact, I remember a few years ago when I heard that Truett Cathy was going to address a group at a local church. After his speech, he spoke to me about wanting Bibles in every school library. That was something very important to him. I thought it a wonderful idea and pressed my local school system for that — and to have those Bibles alongside the Quran and any other religion’s “Book”. So you see, we don’t have to draw these thick lines in the sand.
Something else: CFA’s investment in its young people is unmatched. Every young person should be exposed to CFA’s customer service training program. If there is a nefarious plot on CFA’s part to rid the world of people who don’t think like them, it certainly isn’t infecting their young store staff. My youngest will be 16 in a few days and I actually aspire for him to work for a while at a CFA.
Most of us are not privvy to CFA’s management activity, but think of just the Cow Campaign (that’s what I call it) alone. I wouldn’t think that in its agreements with advertising executives, etc., CFA would have a requirement that only a certain type of artist work on the campaign — and having decided to go “big-time”, it surely has run into a diverse group of people it works with. While I am troubled by CFA wading into this, and by some of those donations I read of above, I’m willing to stretch a bit to give them the benefit of the doubt.
bob
July 24th, 2012
6:53 am
Robin
July 24th, 2012
1:08 am
“Julia, I don’t think you understood what I said. Chick-fil-a is promoting hate. The Jim Henson Company is promoting diversity” Really Robin, promoting diversity by excluding those with beliefs that differ ? Henson & Co are saying that if you don’t share the same beliefs then you are no longer welcome, how is that promoting diversity ?
Ronnie Raygun
July 24th, 2012
6:55 am
Sorry, but when your company contributes millions to promote an anti-gay agenda, it’s more than “stating your opinion”. It’s promoting your so-called “christian” lifestyle choice by using the law to enforce your ignorant opinion.
Alan
July 24th, 2012
6:59 am
I support chik fil a if everyone had strong Christian beliefs this world would be a better place and by eating there at least I know who’s handling my chicken
Sunny
July 24th, 2012
7:02 am
What gays believes should stay with them. They shouldn’t push others to go with them. Cathy’s and CFA will prevail in this childish game.
I'll miss my CFA lemonade
July 24th, 2012
7:02 am
CFA has every right to express their opinion, as does everyone else in this country. However, as a company, if they are using any of their money or influence to further the cause of anti-gay-marriage legislation (which is what has not been addressed), then that’s a different story. I love my CFA chicken biscuit and lemonade, but if any penny of my money goes towards preventing any of my friends from entering into marriage in the sight of the law, then I will make the sacrifice to give up that craving. BTW, I am a Christian but I believe in a God of love who doesn’t care whether you’re gay or straight or whatever…
DWILEY
July 24th, 2012
7:03 am
i AM VERY PROUD OF CHICK FIL A!! THEY ARE A TOP NOTCH FAST FOOD COMPANY THAT STILL HAS STRONG MORALS.
gdrla
July 24th, 2012
7:06 am
CFA is a private company so they are free to believe whatever they wish – they are committed to treating all customers with dignity, good service, good product, etc., and personally that is ALL I wish to receive from a company providing a public product or service. On the other hand their customers are also free to believe whatever they might wish and take their business elsewhere – is basically a NON-ISSUE in my humble opinion.
GB
July 24th, 2012
7:08 am
What the Jim Henson Company does is the business of the Jim Henson Company. But the comment by the mayor of Boston is most interesting. Like many liberal politicians, this Menino is a tyrant waiting to happen. He obviously has no regard for the law. Does he really think it is ok for a the mayor of a town to block a business from opening a location there because he disagrees with the owner of business on a political issue?
mike
July 24th, 2012
7:11 am
5 words: Why is this news?
Proud of Chick Fil A
July 24th, 2012
7:11 am
Why should this revalation be a surprised to anyone? As a privately owned company, they can take any position they want. However, just because they don’t support gay marriage doesn’t mean they are “anti-gay”. I know of several gay people who work there. Being gay is not the sin- the sexual sin part is! Same as adultery, premarital, etc. We are ALL sinners and fall short. But don’t expect Chick Fil A to publicly take a position that is clearly not biblical. This is a no-win situation for them. I applaud the Cathys for taking a stand in what they believe. If you don’t like it, don’t eat there! The food is delicious, and their business model is sound.
David Hall
July 24th, 2012
7:12 am
Let me see if I understand this. Diversity means that we celebrate our differences and if we differ in our thoughts or beliefs, we are haters. If we agree with those on the left, we are wonderful and if we agree with thos on the rright, we are wrong. Being gay does not give one more of less rights to how one should think or act. Don’t try to force me to think or act like you or to force me to accept your actions if I disagree. Chick-Filet is right. I will have to go support them now.
mike
July 24th, 2012
7:12 am
computer’s being cute, the last word should’ve been folks
Eric
July 24th, 2012
7:14 am
“Im just saying”, that’s some funny stuff. I forgot, we live where the invisible man in the sky is the answer to everything and you can’t use critical thinking or be analytical about anything.
I’ve always known that Chik-fil-A is run by a right-wing Christian family and they choose to have their “values” and I choose to not visit their business. That’s their right to run their business as they choose and my right to not spend my money there.
If it wasn’t for your religion, what would you rationale be for being such homophobes? I can’t seem to ever find an answer. Usually just a bunch of stammering and back to irrationality.
Neal White
July 24th, 2012
7:14 am
That’s why Chic- FIL-A is so prosperous because they live by the bible and not the world’s ways! I applaud them! Big deal on the Muppet’s. Who watches them anyway anymore.
Larry
July 24th, 2012
7:15 am
I am sure this decision by the Jim Henson company caused Truett Cathy so much distress he had to take half a baby aspirin to sleep last night.
We Run the East
July 24th, 2012
7:16 am
Good for Chil-Fil-A. This is a tempest in a mainstream media tea pot. CFA will continue to thrive (can’t get in the parking lot) and LGBT supporters will continue to whine and wallow in there own SELF HATE. LGBT supporters know the truth (lifestyle and gay values are abhorent) but they feel so guilty (God gave them a conscience also) they need to squash all those who would dare oppose them. Same as women who have had abortions who are racked with guilt over killing another human, they need us to tell them it is ok. Get a spine, listen to that still, small voice (hello, its me, God) and quit trying to bring society down into the primal gutter that you dwell in. There is right and wrong in this world. CFA is right, gay marriage is wrong President Romney will do what he can to fix the damage by Obama and his gay administration..
Kevin
July 24th, 2012
7:16 am
Enter your comments here
Thrash
July 24th, 2012
7:19 am
The Muppets ceased being relevant about 2 decades ago, who needs their hate or bigotry toward decent moral people.
Bob
July 24th, 2012
7:19 am
As an American, I respect Cathy for his right to make a stance. However, as gay man will never eat at Chilk-Fil-A. And as a Christian, I would like to engage in a conversation with Mr. Cathy about why we disagree and how harmful his position is to millions of GLBT people, particulary young people.
dcb
July 24th, 2012
7:20 am
As the gay rights movement people have a right to their position, so do the Chick-Fil-A’s of the world. I fail to see the connection when it comes to boycotting any group that stands for a value different from yours. I don’t eat at Chick-Fil-A all that often. But should it fit into my plans, I will continue to do so. What I do object to, however, are name stars or politicians taking a position with the biggest fanfare possible attempting to sway the opinion of others. While I will fall short of blaming them for going to the airwaves to gain additional stature with their public, I have to strongly suspect the same.
Anne
July 24th, 2012
7:20 am
Why do we all have to agree with something we don’t believe in. Why is it okay for one side to sing aloud that they believe gay marriage is right, but the other side has to keep shut and not even say otherwise? This is AMERICA people, we are free to express our opinions and have our beliefs right? So why is CFA being punished for expressing theirs? CFA is a Christian company, it’s the only business I know in this very money based society that is America, that is closed on Sunday! Why is it then a surprise that it does not support gay marriage? I suppose it’d have being okay if they believed it, but never said it. How is that equal rights then? When one side can spout it’s beliefs without fear of punishment but the other side gets punished by the likes of the Henson group, when it voices it’s opinions? I applaud CFA for sticking to it’s beliefs at a time in America when it seems everyone is expected to follow the status quo just to remain popular or profitable.
LtCol Razorback
July 24th, 2012
7:20 am
I don’t like chicken, but I do agree with Chick-Fill-A’s rejection of same sex marriages. Think about it….if only males married males and only females married females, the human race would become extinct in a generation!!! :(
Mid Town Joe
July 24th, 2012
7:20 am
Are any of the gay muppets married? This is assuming that some of them are gay.
Angela
July 24th, 2012
7:22 am
Kermit The Frog and Fozzie Bear can both get terminal STDs and Burn in Eternal Hell.
The Muppets are controlled by, and have all their thoughts and dialogue for them, written and mandated by Leftist Hippies with radical ideals that won’t to shove their “values” down everyone’s throats but don’t want to tolerate any counter ideals to them.
Chick-fil-A isn’t forcing its or its ideals on anyone. Nobody is forcing us to patronize them.
The Liberals can boycott CFA all they want. The more-tolerant, Non-Leftists can, in turn, decline to support The Muppets. That is what once made America great.
I loved The Muppets as a kid, but they will never taste as good a Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich with extra pickles.
Phil
July 24th, 2012
7:22 am
I support CFA for standing up for what the Bible defines marriage between One Man and One Women. But the press again has failed to report other companies who throw money and sponsor Gay agenda. Home Depot signed on as a “festival” vendor, conducting Kid’s craft workshops for children in the midst of lewd activities including nudity and Homosexual activates. Office Depot is a Guaranteeing one million to help “teach” children that they are born “Gay”. They are teaming up with Lady Gaga to push the homosexual agenda in public schools by encouraging our children to believe gay people are born this way. Why does the press continue to ignore companies who support gay agenda but slam a company for supporting marriage? I have no problem reporting what CFA gave but let report what Home Depot and Office Depot do with their money.
MrDan
July 24th, 2012
7:23 am
As a Christian, Chik-filet is the only fast-food chain I support and not a week goes by that I don’t make a purchase. And I’m sure, even though homosexuals only make up about 2-3% of the population, I’ve been in line with one or two homosexuals now and then at the restaurant, and they were treated with the same respect and given the same service as everyone else. Chik-filet is a great restaurant with a great product. They’ve been criticized for not opening on Sundays because Truett Cathy believed that employees should have a day to spend with their families. Wow. Someone still believes and cares about the time-tested traditional God-given method for the family unit. And now you have some politicians and a puppet company criticizing that? Why is that? Could it be that some people want to completely tear down the husband/wife, father/mother family unit in order to legitimize their own narcissistic self-gratification lifestyle? Think I’ll go have breakfast at Chik-filet and ponder that one.
Raymond
July 24th, 2012
7:23 am
I find it interesting that so many so-called liberals, who stand for diversity of thought, will take such a stand as the Boston mayor is taking. They believe in giving everyone a right to do what they want, except for those who think differently than they do. Hence, those who oppose what they believe in (gay marriage), should somehow be denied the right to operate a business, just because they believe otherwise. Disgusting, frankly. Hooray for Chick-fil-A for having a stand and sticking to it. It is their right to do so, and based on their Christian beliefs, it would be two-faced of them to do otherwise.
Lunchman
July 24th, 2012
7:24 am
I have discovered that it is extremely hard to fight against God and stating that God made a mistake.
Keith
July 24th, 2012
7:25 am
I support Chic-Fil-A’s ability to support any issue it chooses. There is a difference between closing on Sunday and supporting gay marriage. Closing on Sunday does not discriminate against anyone. The issue with supporting gay marriage is, it gives the appearance that the company might discriminate against homosexuals. This is one issue that Chic-Fil-A should have avoided. If Chic-Fil-A was still a small business, does anyone think they would take this stand. I applaud anyone who stands up for their beliefs, but Dan Cathy needs to think about the effects of his employees and company and refrain from putting his company in the middle of a political debate.
Van Jones
July 24th, 2012
7:28 am
Supporting heterosexual marriage makes one anti-gay? Does supporting gay marriage make one anti-heterosexual?
Beck
July 24th, 2012
7:28 am
Yes, this is America and everyone has a right to their opinion. no one is saying Truett Cathy, ChicFilA, et. al. do not have a right to their opinion. People who are for marriage equality are just letting people know about the ChicFilA stance. This way people who are for equality can make a choice about where there money goes.
Conversely, people who are for marriage between a man and a woman ONLY can feel free to stop using google ANY TIME NOW. Just don’t expect there to be an economic backlash, as google is a free service.
Carol Roberts – thank you for being an example of the kind of Christian I had hoped Truett Cathy was. Yes, to all of the above who mentioned ChicFilA is closed on Sunday, it’s not like we didn’t all know they were Christian. What we didn’t know is that he’s a bigot.
Lynn
July 24th, 2012
7:29 am
Chick-fil-a is a privately owned company and their owners have the right to believe how they want to believe and spend their money how they want to spend it. I think the Jim Henson Company has made a terrible choice but that is their choice because they want to jump on the Hate Chick-fil-a bandwagon because they dont believe like we do. Chick-fil-a’s record speaks for itself and it is a proven business that does well. It’s a shame that people disguise hate and intolerence by being bigots toward Christians because they dare to believe something different. I will be supporting Chick-fil-a now and forever. It’s a free country, go eat at Zaxby’s or KFC if it bothers you that much but oh my gosh what if their store owner believes like Dan Cathy??? What will you do??? I guess the ones that dont support Chick-fil-a will have to start questioning the places you frequent to find out their stance on gay marriage before you spend your money.
Larry
July 24th, 2012
7:30 am
Okay, Okay. I have an announcment to make!!! I’m HETEROSEXUAL………I’m headed to CFA to celebrate. Gosh I feel much better.
You ask, what does my statement mean? Nothing. I know you don’t care what my sexual orientation is, well I don’t care what yours is either.
Robert GM
July 24th, 2012
7:31 am
Chick-Fil-A has the right to voice their views about biblical marriange. They do not state they will not serve gay /lesbian couples or individuals, they simply claim to not support it. Those folks can still get their chicken, however, if they choose not to, then that is all right as well. Any company who can uphold the company in this nature and not work on Sundays is doing something right. I applaude Chick-Fil-A’s stance. Married 27 years to a beautiful woman – I am male by the way.
Ol' Timer
July 24th, 2012
7:31 am
I support Chick-Fil-A’s right to take whatever position they choose. They are, after all, a privately held company.
Likewise, I support the public’s right to choose if they want to patronize the establishment. I guess my question is why they decided to go public on this devisive issue. It’s like they are pandering to their base.
Frankly, I like their chicken sandwich but without the condiment of religion they serve with it.
Kelly Taylor
July 24th, 2012
7:32 am
I applaud them for taking a stand for what they believe in. They have closed on Sundays since the beginning and it hasn’t hurt them. It is good to see a company not bend under the pressures of society to do something against their moral and ethical principles. I will continue to eat their chicken. They have never said that they hate homosexuals but they do not approve of same sex marriages. On this point, I must agree
Dawg88
July 24th, 2012
7:32 am
I like the Muppets… I like Chick-fil-a. Still will love the Muppet Show. Still will eat chicken biscuits.
jsscott
July 24th, 2012
7:32 am
This is America, CFA, being a privately owned company can voice whatever policy or opinion regarding a totally personal choice that they want. The Muppets, the Hnesons can also choose to believe what they want and voice those opinions. Good luck to them both. If you don’t support these freedoms then you are the problem, you do not have a solution.
Angela
July 24th, 2012
7:34 am
The Muppets sure haven’t made any protest or public declaration against Penn State or what happened to children there, but they sure want to bash Chick-fil-A.
I guess The Muppets don’t have any problem with what happened at Penn State, but sure want to whine about an “opinion” Chick-fil-A has about adults.
Muppets
July 24th, 2012
7:34 am
The Muppets are owned by Disney, not the Jim Henson Company. They transferred ownership in 2004. Please fix your article title.
Angela
July 24th, 2012
7:35 am
Disney, which now owns The Muppets & left-wing ABC News, can all Burn in Hades for all I care.
We can do without any of them, unlike the sustaining value of food.
zazu
July 24th, 2012
7:35 am
I Applaude Chick- File-A for its strong stand on this gay issue…. Although I really dont know what being gay and a chicken sandwitch have to do with each other ….oh well…
It seems to be the in- thing to say today that it is just ok to be gay…well I really dont know what the Creator had in mind when He created people with this inclination but I do know that as far as I am concerned I really don’t care..and why should I, and Why are the muppets taking a stand on this issue , I mean they are puppets right ? Two things for sure…All of the Holy Books from the Torah to the Bible to the Qur’an condem this practice..not just ONE religion all the major religions say in one way or another that this practice is a abomination… And sencondly I for one am tired of being bombarded by the Gay Rights Movement to be forced as I see it to accept their life style as cool. Now unless someone is being harassed for their sexualality or being denied services, then why should we the other people have to accept their lifestyle as cool and ok….Good Job Chick -Fil-A
Call It Like It Is
July 24th, 2012
7:36 am
Well I say boycott them. But its not for the Gay’s, it for the fact they stop selling lemon pies. Boy I sure miss those pie’s.