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
motherjanegoose
July 24th, 2012
7:37 am
No time to read all the comments…sorry.
As a former WalMart Employee ( in HS and college) I have followed some of the news as to how their employees are treated regarding scheduling, promotions and hourly salary. They hire and schedule just under the bar of having to pay benefits. Salary increases are locked for some employees. All to save THE CONSUMER $$$. Yet people shop by the droves. THAT is where I put my money where my mouth is…I shop WalMart about 6 times per year…only if I have to. Rarely at home and typically when I am on the road as I do not know where other stores are located. I hate going in there! At least, as much as I can tell, Chick Fil A is a good place to work. They appreciate their employees.
I am in contact with those who worked at WalMart with me ( almost 40 years ago) and they tell me that Sam Walton would have a fit if he saw what was going on now. Anyone out there a WalMart employee that can tell us how wonderful it is to work there? Not many are willing to stand up to boycotting them and not saving $2 I would guess. I could take that challenge easily. Anyone else?
Monon
July 24th, 2012
7:37 am
Do I agree with the opposition to gay marriage? No. However, I’m not going to boycott an entire company based on a disagreement of beliefs. The Chick-Fil-A in our neighborhood has for years brought platters of fingers and sides to the local funeral home for grieving family members, on a regular basis and at company expense. The positives that come from this company outweigh any disagreement I may have with their beliefs.
Sloan
July 24th, 2012
7:38 am
Hurray for Chick-Fil-A! I will double my support for their products! I have always been a fan, but in response to the public outcry by the left leaning members of the media and our society at large against what is Chick-Fil-A’s right to freedom of expression, it is apparent to me that the left is only seeking to advance the agenda of gay “rights” in this country. That Chick-Fil-A is guided by Biblical Christian principles and is willing to publicly affirm these principles is admirable and deserves the support of like-minded Christians everywhere! To those who posted here that they are Christians but believe that God loves everyone and are upset with Chick-Fil-A over their stance on gay marriage, I say that God loves the sinner but not the sin. To stand in support of gay marriage is to condone behavior that is called sin in the Bible and grant that behavior the same status in this country as deserving minority groups like women and blacks. Secular society is concerned with tolerance at all costs and the left leaning members of the Christian church universal are enabling that agenda as well. God loves practicing homosexuals just as much as He loves adulterers, alcoholics, thieves, murderers, etc. But because He loves sinners does not mean that He tolerates their behavior!
LETSMOVEON
July 24th, 2012
7:38 am
Chick-Fil-A CEO ,was only asked a question about what constitutes a marriage. He correctly stated his Christian views and the origin of marriage, I personal don’t see the problem here. If you are gay or believe in gay marriage, that is your view as well. Isn’t this America? We have right to voice our opinions or beliefs just as long as those opinions aren’t slanderous and malicious in nature. His comments wasn’t slanderous or malicious concerning what constitutes a marriage.
Weldon
July 24th, 2012
7:38 am
I don’t see how “gay” marriage is any threat at all to traditional marriage. If you’re not gay, don’t worry about it. Beyond that, why should the contractual rights and benefits afforded a married couple be denied anyone? Don’t give me your Christian B.S., either. We separate church and state in this country – this is an issue about human & personal rights and legal benefits. By the way, I’m not gay and I’m not afraid of people who are.
Mavis Beacon
July 24th, 2012
7:38 am
Given the atrocious level of accuracy, diction, grammar and elementary-level spelling errors in many of this newspaper’s blogs, exclusive of comments, I am pretty sure several of the Chick-fil-A Cows write and report for the AJC.
Jack
July 24th, 2012
7:39 am
The Gay Community wants tolerance and understanding but is completely intolerant when it comes to the beliefs and opinions of others. Just because the President endorsed Gay marriage they think that everybody supports it. I applaud Chick Fil A for taking a stand and not folding. The Gay Left in this country is relentless and down right nasty anytime someone disagrees with them. I came on here to comment but I dont support the AJC anymore. Stop reading it when they allowed this left wing attack dog columnist woman to write hit pieces on people. Can we please get a conservative newspaper in the South? (I digress) I dont believe in Homophobia or discrimination against gay people. They have to the right to be who they choose to be and should not have to live in fear but make no mistake I have a right to disagree and I have a right to say I’m sorry but I believe that marriage ought to take place between a Man and a Woman and if you dont like it tough. If that makes me archaic and old fashioned then so be it. I will not waiver. I support Chick Fil A and what they believe. The Gay Left wants everyone to believe what they believe. You can line up Anderson Cooper Frank Ocean The Green Lantern (Alan Scott not Hal Jordan) Ellen Don Lemon and all the other Gay Leftys and it still wont make it right. President Obama who I respect but at times agree with did not change my mind. Gay marriage is wrong and Chick Fil A should be respected. The same people who moan and complain about intonlerance are intolerable. Amazing.
Tired
July 24th, 2012
7:40 am
I really don’t see why anyone’s relationship is a restaurant’s business.
And I do realize they’re not turning people away at the door after a pop-quiz on their beliefs on marriage equality. But apparently they’ve decided it’s their issue and that they need to be vocal about it. I miss their waffle fries, but there’s hardly a shortage of fries in this town. I can see, though, where my sister and her husband – who have 4 young children – won’t eat there but they’re probably not going to force the issue on their kids.
GaVet
July 24th, 2012
7:40 am
If they are forced to accept “Gay Marriage” the next step, logically, would be to force them to open Sundays. I’ll continue to do business with them as long as they stand by whatever principles they have and “Gays”, as far as I can tell, are just as welcome there as I am.
Mavis Beacon
July 24th, 2012
7:41 am
I am sickened by the fact that The Muppets will bash Chick-fil-A, but they haven’t said a word about Joe Paterno, Jerry Sandusky or Penn State.
Gonzo must have matriculated there.
T Man
July 24th, 2012
7:41 am
I am having a Muppett burning party Saturday. Anyone want to join me?
Jenny
July 24th, 2012
7:42 am
First of all , I could care less who marries who, however I believe in the right to disagree with something you don’t support. CFA didn’t make a public statement against Gay marriage, Cathy was asked by a religious group if he believed in gay marriage and he said no, a lot different than a company actively denouncing or discriminating against gays. In fact the company said it believed in freedom of expression of all groups, no matter what sexual orientation. In the end i really don’t think 1% of the population is going to impact CFA , especially since its exposure ( other than ATL) in the West and North is limited anyway, and the fact that whatever minuscule loss that might occur, would be offset by the 50% of religious groups.
Reality_Check
July 24th, 2012
7:42 am
The problem with the biblical “definitions” is that you can cherry-pick verses throughout the bible to find support for your views. Present your beliefs as your beliefs. Don’t try to use the bible as a source for specifics such as the definition of marriage.
Keith
July 24th, 2012
7:44 am
In response to several previous posts. The Muppets are still relevant. The film grossed $88,586,976 with a budget of $45 million. Sounds like a profit to me. The Jim Henson Company did give away the donation, they gave away the payment, made by CFA, for the use of Jim Henson property. A payment is money paid for goods and services provided. I get tired of both sides of the aisle accusing the other of being narrow minded and upset when an opinion the support is not agreed to. When you make negative comments about homosexuals, you can’t complain about democrats mjaking negative comments about CFA. Morality should never be determined by legislation. My parents disagreed with the lottery from a moral perspective. For years they refused to use gas stations that sold lottery tickets and would go out of their way and pay more money to get gas. They no longer continue this practice. Because you morally disagree with an issue does not make it wrong. It just makes it wrong to you.
ChristianOnTheFlint
July 24th, 2012
7:45 am
I think most everyone on this blog is missing Mr. Cathy’s true message.
Mr. Cathy, because he is a Christian, cannot condone what the Bible states is certainly a sin.
That being homosexuality.And as a person who puts Christ first and in the center of his life,
also as the Bible teaches, Mr. Cathy would be what non-Christians call a hypocrite if he supported
or condoned homosexuality in any sense of the word. Also, Mr. Cathy is not showing any disrespect
towards members of the gay community by stating his objection to homosexual marriage. He is simply
stating that his definition of marriage is between one man and one woman. He is merely expressing
his right as a free American to his freedom of speech guaranteed by the First Amendment.
Now, would you rather do business with a person that stands by what he truly believes and states that belief for the record? Or would you rather do business with someone that lies through their teeth and has no conviction at all, unless it will benefit their wallet or their election? I know I would much rather eat at Chick-fil-a!
Leonard
July 24th, 2012
7:45 am
This is America…We have a right to our own opinion!!!
Jason
July 24th, 2012
7:45 am
I think the pro-CFA people are missing the point. It’s not an issue of whether CFA has a “right” to their opinion. People can hold whatever beliefs they want. The problem is that they use corporate funds to support homophobic organizations. Boycotting CFA is not so much about punishing a restaurant for its beliefs, but rather to make sure that the consumer’s money doesn’t reach these organizations via CFA
Inquisitive Ike
July 24th, 2012
7:46 am
If Chick-fil-A caught one of its Cow employees milking a naive, young calf on the Penn State campus on a Sunday afternoon, would Joe Paterno have banned the restaurant from campus and brought in The Muppets to perform at halftime of a game and deflect attention?
Tom
July 24th, 2012
7:46 am
It’s not like CFA refuses to hire or serve LGBT. That would be a much bigger problem (not to mention illegal). There was a similar fuss a year or so ago over a couple of groups the Winshape Foundation supports, but that blew over….just as this will.
Now, if they were supporting actual anti-gay HATE groups like American Family Association or their hausfrau offshoot One Million (not quite) Moms, then I’d have a huge problem with that. Bryan Fischer and Monica Cole have a cozy corner table waiting for them in hell.
Mike
July 24th, 2012
7:46 am
Some of you posters are not very bright. You have redefined the word “hate” to mean any disagreement with your beliefs. That’s just plain stupid.
Fozzie Bear
July 24th, 2012
7:46 am
my CFA sandwich tasted just a bit better today….waka wakka waka!!
Just saying
July 24th, 2012
7:47 am
Seems odd to me that a company (Jim Henson Company) that relies mainly for children would be so against this. Where do all these children come from? Two guys having sex? Two women having sex? Just saying…
Sparta_Bubba
July 24th, 2012
7:47 am
Muppets are gone from my life, Chick-Fil-A will continue as a regular part of my life.
howard
July 24th, 2012
7:48 am
There are plenty of fast food choices that do not offend me….or my friends….Chick-fil-a does and so they are off my list.
Cow Girl
July 24th, 2012
7:48 am
Isn’t it ironic that Chick-Fil-A is willing to do business with a company that obviously “embraces gays” and yet Jim Henson Prod, won’t do business with someone that embraces traditional family….who is the hater here? Gay activists need to give it a BREAK and quit shoving their sin tolerance down our throats. I would think that by now almost everyone in America has an extended family member, co worker or friend who is gay…we love them and that is great…but it does NOT mean you can bully us into accepting your definition of marriage!!! God defined marriage…take it up with Him…..He loves you, but He is a God of Absolute Truths and He isn’t changing His mind. You can tell yourself all day long, “I believe what I believe and you believe what you believer and we are all ok”….guess what, WRONG! Chick-fil-a has more guts that anyone…standing up against the big Gay Bullies!!! They will succeed on their character and product!
O W
July 24th, 2012
7:49 am
As for me and my house we will continuie to enjoy Chick-Fil-A.
Grew Up at The Dwarf House
July 24th, 2012
7:49 am
Can you believe it, the Muppets and Chic-Fil-A are going at it! And everyone wonders why there is a wing nut in Colorado shooting people. Is this truly supporting and embracing diversity and inclusiveness or does it show those who say they embrace tolerance are intolerant of those who do not agree with their views? Will everyone stop eating at Chic-fil-A? No. Food is too good. Will everyone stop watching the Muppets? No, well maybe if you are over the age of 7. Going to be interesting in Heaven and see a Chick-fil-a on every corner and a little green frog is eating a #1 with a sweet tea and in the Kid’s Meal the prize is a Big Bird toy. Why can’t we work together on solving the top 5 issues that affect our lives and planet like Hunger in the US and the World, Homelessness, Healthcare, the Environment and Jobs for Americans? If we don’t start pulling on the same end of the rope, this won’t matter.
Mike
July 24th, 2012
7:50 am
I believe gays should be allowed to marry. I also love a good chicken sandwich. So I get the best of both worlds. Problem solved.
I suggest you all do the same. Quit letting other people’s opinions have so much priority in your life.
Augusta
July 24th, 2012
7:50 am
Where’s a bruhaha for the Boy Scouts….they have held fast they do not allow gays in their organization……..
I don’t really care for Chik-fil-A or any fast food for that matter, but I will NOT support any organization that does now participate in equality. I won’t support the Boy Scouts anymore either.
That’s one of the great freedoms we will have in this country, and it’s freedom to express our opinions OPENLY. If businesses chose NOT to allow gays, or don’t support their lifestyle, that is their choice. We chose to support or not support these businesses with our MONEY….and that my friends, is the bottom line…..MONEY……it IS the root of ALL EVIL!!!
Tired
July 24th, 2012
7:50 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.”
Angela, really. The Muppets terminated a business arrangement with Chik-Fil-A. So far as I know they had no similar arrangement with Penn State.
O W
July 24th, 2012
7:50 am
and who is Jim Henson anyway?
Inquisitive Ike
July 24th, 2012
7:51 am
Truett Cathy was being a decent man and running a successful business BEFORE The Muppets, BEFORE Gay [ahem] “Marriage” and BEFORE 0bamaJiveTalker from Kenya was fraudulently elected President.
That will not change.
Steve
July 24th, 2012
7:51 am
Chick fil a has every right to state their opinion and I as a consumer have every right to decide if I want to give my money to an organization that discriminates against a part of society. I would be interested to know if Chick fil a would choose an openly gay man or woman to allow to buy a franchise? I seriously doubt it and that my friend is being intolerant and exclusive.
Larry
July 24th, 2012
7:51 am
Since gluttony and greed are each one of the seven deadly sins, the fatties shoveling down CFA food are worse than a gay couple and the Cathy’s, who are cashing in on it, are worst of all. I’ll stay away, thank you.
Michael Corujo
July 24th, 2012
7:51 am
We should have a “MISS PIGGY ROAST” to go along with a French delicasy called “KERMIT FROG LEGS!!!” LOL!!! Shhhhhh! Unbelievable the crap that people lose sleep over. The 1st ammendment works BOTH WAYS, so HENSON Corp is WRONG!
Dave
July 24th, 2012
7:51 am
It’s a conspiracy, all the pro gay folks becoming healthier by boycotting Chick-fil-A, and all those chicken eating “Christians” dropping like flys from obesity and heart disease brought on by the consumpution of Truett’s treats. Rome used lions, we’re using a menu!
Nan
July 24th, 2012
7:52 am
I applaud the owners of Chik-Fil-A for making their medieval beliefs and bigotry public knowledge. By doing so, they’ve given anyone who wonders whether or not patronizing a business may result in inadvertent support of a cause they don’t believe in a clear choice. It is Mr. Cathy’s right to believe as he pleases, but it is also my right to quietly express my distaste for his beliefs by avoiding his business.
I am, however, a little curious as to how quickly Mr. Cathy will hear the voice of God telling him he was wrong if the bottom line for the company begins to be affected. If he sticks with his beliefs, good for him. If he caves and does a retraction of some sort because of declining revenue, then we’ll all know he was just another bigot using religion as an excuse for his hate.
Joseph
July 24th, 2012
7:53 am
I will no longer allow my kids to watch or take part in anything Muppet. It works both ways you fruits….
Jeff
July 24th, 2012
7:54 am
Chic-fil-A has the right to take the stand they took. And everyone has the right to react however they like. If Chic-fil-A is willing to deal with the consequences, so be it.
But for the critics who don’t think a company should take a social/political stand, do you feel the same about Ben and Jerry? Or are you a big supporter of theirs?
Inquisitive Ike
July 24th, 2012
7:54 am
Tired @ 7:50 am,
The Muppets terminated a business arrangement AND used it as a protest and loudly voiced their opinion as to why while bashing CFA, all while getting publicity for their properties.
Get Your Facts Straight, Tired.
Gregory
July 24th, 2012
7:54 am
Isn’t Chick Fil A being hypocritical?
Gail
July 24th, 2012
7:55 am
Theresa, please post the link to the article in the Baptist Press in your blog posting. People need to see the context of Dan Cathy’s comments. Thanks.
Inquisitive Ike
July 24th, 2012
7:56 am
I hope the next bacon I get on my CFA Chicken Sandwich comes from the backside of Miss Piggy.
Hopefully, the frying process will kill all of her STDs she collected from her omni-sexual lifestyle.
Bilbo
July 24th, 2012
7:56 am
Bravo Chick Fil – A.
?
July 24th, 2012
7:56 am
So I wonder how many Gays and Lesbians Chick-Fila has hired over the years and currently employs that it is now discriminating against? If my employer came out and publicly discriminated against me I’d have to think about filing a lawsuit. Since it’s a Southern based company what if they come out next and say they really don’t tolerate feeding or employing blacks? It’s really not out of the realm of possibility.
Suq Madiq
July 24th, 2012
7:57 am
Is anybody really surprised by this reaction from the JHC? More will follow.
HB
July 24th, 2012
7:57 am
Sure, Chick-fil-A has a right to their opinion, but I also have a right to mine (and the Hensons have a right to theirs). No one is saying they don’t have a right to continue operating, just that we don’t want to indirectly support the causes they support. Chick-fil-A has given millions to groups fighting against marriage equality. I choose not to support that and will spend my money elsewhere.
Call It Like It Is
July 24th, 2012
7:57 am
This just in the NRA is pro guns…….yeah I know just as shocking at Chick fil A stating they are pro traditional family. I’m just saying.
Just Jack
July 24th, 2012
7:57 am
I am a gay man, and a big fan of Chick Fil A. I have never been a Muppet fan (they kind of creep me out). I am not a supporter of Gay marriage per say however I do support equal rights. I think the millitant lesbians that are pushing this marriage agenda are setting gays back decades. The point should have been on equality and civil unions. They should have never involved religion into the discussion. Marriage is a civil union in the eyes of the government not religious. You do not need to be married in a church to be legally married. Has anyone ever considered that there are thousands of married atheists in this country and no one either cares nor chastises them? Just a little food for thought…..
Rational
July 24th, 2012
7:58 am
The Jim Henson Company’s reaction to one individual’s opinion on this issue is the height of hypocrisy. Most of you have ignored the fact that Chick-Fil-A of their own free will entered into a marketing agreement with the Henson Company and paid them millions of dollars. Do you think for one second that the decision makers at Chick-Fil-A did not know The Jim Henson Company’s stance on same sex marriage before this? Seems like Chick-Fil-A is a lot more diverse and tolerant than you want to give them credit for.