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
Forrest Gump
July 24th, 2012
7:58 am
Stupid is as Stupid Does! I am continually amazed that God put so many stupid people on the earth at the same time!
BigDAD
July 24th, 2012
7:58 am
I love Chik-Fil-A not just for their food, but their philosophy, values, and support for their cummunities. Does everyone have to support gay marriages? Have we been wrong about what constitutes a marriage for all these years. I tolerate gays, but I hate the way they try to shove their lifestyle down our throats (for lack of a better expression).
Lisa Walker
July 24th, 2012
7:58 am
Chick-fil-A I support your decision not to support gay marriage whole heartidly. Your decision and my support is not out of hate. I’m so tired of people claiming this to be a hate issue just because you don’t agree. Chick-fil-A I fully support your core religious ideals and wish I could work/be a part of your organization. I hope more companies follow your example of character.
rexdogma
July 24th, 2012
7:59 am
Yeah, you can have an opinion, that is fine. but your dealing with a diverse public and want their money in your business. opinion ok but stupid!!!!
"personal"
July 24th, 2012
7:59 am
Cathy is a founder who gave a “PERSONAL” statement about what he believes regarding the definition of marriage. Lisa Henson is said to be “PERSONALLY” a strong supporter of gay marriage. Key word “personal” check the definition below:
per·son·al /ˈpɜrsənl/ Show Spelled[pur-suh-nl] adjective
1. of, pertaining to, or coming as from a particular person; individual; private: a personal opinion.
2. relating to, directed to, or intended for a particular person: a personal favor; one’s personal life; a letter marked “Personal.”
3. intended for use by one person: a personal car.
4. referring or directed to a particular person in a disparaging or offensive sense or manner, usually involving character, behavior, appearance, etc.: personal remarks.
5. making personal remarks or attacks: to become personal in a dispute.
Keith
July 24th, 2012
7:59 am
Christianontheflint, would you do business with a business owned by a member of the KKK. KKK members practice their beliefs and stand by their beliefs.
Some people keep throwing out the term, “biblical marriage”. Are you referring to the explanation of marriage in Genesis or the other areas of the Old Testament that discuss men like Abraham, Jacob, or Solomon who had multiple wives and concubines?
Paula
July 24th, 2012
7:59 am
I will always support this wonderful company! Chick-fil-a has strong values and they are afraid to stand by them. I think if the gay community/ supports would stop being so sensitive over every comment or dislike then there would not be an issue. Just as people are tried of African-American pulling the black card ( I am AA), I am tried of this card being pulled. Just respect a person/ company for there opinion and keep it moving. Why does everyone have to believe in the popular trend?
Tom
July 24th, 2012
7:59 am
Cow Girl, sorry….but marriage, like everyting else in our lives, was defined by mortal men. It has existed in various forms within countless civilizations as either a religious rite or cultural norm for millenia. Aboriginal tribes that have never heard of any of the various ‘mainstream’ religions throughout history have recognized forms of ‘marriage’….some sanctioned by some mythological being or force, some not.
There have been almost 3,000 various entities that meet the basic definition of ‘god’ that we know of from the record of our species, going back to the first known Sumerian writings. There’s a significant percentage of the species that doesn’t believe in the existence of any of these man-made beings…..including the Christian-Judeo-Islamic God of Abraham.
mom
July 24th, 2012
8:00 am
Why should I be offended because a private company makes a statement about how they feel? What is wrong with supporting real marriage and family? Just because they don’t agree with a certain segment of the population is no cause for people to vilify them. They have never discriminated against anyone, have been awesome neighbors in all circumstances and have helped endless organizations including Relay for Life. In this nation, everyone has a right to their opinion whether you agree with it or not. In this culture, if you don’t agree with the very vocal gay rights group, then you are hateful. They are so intolerant of anybody else’s beliefs that it is getting downright scary the way they are bullying private corporations into signing up for their agenda. Sad day. Truth is hate for those that hate the truth. We will double up our support of Chick Fil A and conversely, never have anything to do with the Jim Henson group for their intolerance of the Christian beliefs. Last time I checked, it is called religious discrimination and what an uproar it would be were it against a Muslim belief.
Jason
July 24th, 2012
8:00 am
I think some people are a little confused here. I haven’t heard anyone “bash” Chick Fil A for their opinions like many on this post have said. Chick Fil A can do anything they want! I think it all goes back to something about freedom of religion or something…The Jim Henson Company are simply withdrawing support of them due to their beliefs as are many supporters of the LGBT community. It’s like anything else that you may or may not choose to support. I don’t support wearing dead animals around on your shoulders because it’s “fashionable” however, that automatically mean I’m “bashing” their beliefs just because I have chosen not to support it. Lets get real here people???? No one is going to support something/someone who’s belifes they don’t agree with.
sally
July 24th, 2012
8:01 am
Most of us already knew that Chick Fil-A is a company whose owners espouse conservative Christian beliefs and, as such, that it would be very likely that they would have these beliefs about marriage. While I don’t agree with the stance, I stand up for their right to speak their mind. And the same goes for everybody!
Will I still go to those restaurants? I don’t eat fast food often, but I probably will, as their salads are a lot fresher-tasting than other fast food places. I eat at Chinese restaurants with Buddha statues, to whom the owners have given offerings, and I eat at a place that serves Halal meat. It’s the restaurants where I see people being treated rudely because of who they are that I would stop frequenting – and I have never seen that in a Chick Fil-A.
In Dan Cathy’s / Chick Fil-A’s case, the belief about marriage is an expression of their religious beliefs.
Then again, it’s everyone’s right to choose to eat there or not! It’s not like they’re our sole food supplier or have a monopoly on the fast food industry. If you don’t like it, eat somewhere else; it’s cheaper, anyhow.
Duh
July 24th, 2012
8:02 am
The Henson Company and Chic Fil A are both practicing their right to have opposing opinions and stand behind them, however flawed they may be. What difference does it make to you personally, if everyone is granted their individual right to become one in the eyes of God and the government. Just because you don’t understand or approve of someone who differs from yourself, doesn’t mean that they are wrong. Teach your children to accept and respect everyone, even those with different morals and lifestyles and beliefs. If you don’t, you are judging others WHICH IS WRONG. God loves one and all. Besides, think of the lavish weddings that would pour money into our economy :)
mew
July 24th, 2012
8:02 am
It’s been my observation that Chick-fil-a actually benefits from being closed on Sundays. I hear lots of customers, including myself, state that they frequent Chick-fil-a BECAUSE they stand on principle and are closed on Sundays. The same will apply here.
I love the Muppets, but their politics, not so much…
Who gives a .......
July 24th, 2012
8:03 am
Then to hell with the Muppets.
Sonya Rolle
July 24th, 2012
8:05 am
I am a Christian, and have two gay sons who I support 100%. I neither support nor condemn same sex marriage. It amazes me how everyone is up in arms regarding CFA stance on this matter, since it has been widely known for years. This is a traditional faith-based company grounded in the Word of Christ. I firmly believe the owners/founders will continue to seek God in this matter and if there is correction it will come and if not the company will prevail.
Personally, I believe it is a matter between those involve and God. The bible teaches us ‘love covers a multitude of sins”. This is not the love of a man/women, man/man, women/women but the love of Christ. The love of Christ will sustain the parties involve; and as believers we are only called to pray God’s love over this matter.
potstirrer
July 24th, 2012
8:06 am
I’d rather have STRAIGHT CHICKEN ethics then gay twisted green frogs!
Dianna
July 24th, 2012
8:06 am
I can make my $ speak for me. Chick-Fil-A will not get another $1 of my money. Will they miss it? No, they won’t but I will know I have taken a stand for what I believe.
Ana Logy
July 24th, 2012
8:06 am
Screw the Muppets and Boston. I stand by The Cathay’s 100%!
Joseph
July 24th, 2012
8:06 am
It’s just horrible that Chick-fil-a stands for the traditional family. They should be for selfish homosexuals who can’t have kids on their own… LOL… This is laughable… Homo marriage has been rejected at every turn at the ballot box so Mr. Cathy stands with the people on this one…
ali
July 24th, 2012
8:07 am
I’ve never seen so many ignorant comments on this site before!! CFA has a right to its opinion the same as the Jim Henson Company. They are two entities with different beliefs and that’s ok. One business terminating business with another is not uncommon. They simply have different views and are going their separate ways. I am straight and I support equal rights and opportunities for all. I am not in a place to judge how someone chooses to live their lifestyle and that is clearly written in the Bible in verses Matthew 7:1-5; Romans 14:12-13; Luke 6:37; James 4:11-12 and Galatians 5:14. These are just a sample of the verses that specifically address that we are not to judge one another.
Sparta_Bubba
July 24th, 2012
8:07 am
Hey Robert GM, I have a great idea! Let’s start a Heterosexual Pride day to make sure everyone knows that we use our body parts like God designed them and have sex with people of the opposite sex.
DoctorJ
July 24th, 2012
8:08 am
Good riddance.
Romans 1:25-28
July 24th, 2012
8:08 am
SODOMITES. Why does the Heathen rage!
Jenni
July 24th, 2012
8:08 am
Personally, I hope all these obnoxious homo-types who force their opinions on the rest of us and blindly call us “bigots” merely disagreeing with them start boycotting all Chick-fil-A restaurants nationwide so that the rest of us can eat our delicious, yet slightly overpriced, food in peace.
YUM!
david
July 24th, 2012
8:09 am
I’ll never watch the muppets again. But, I will visit CFA more often.
ed
July 24th, 2012
8:09 am
Many of the same people who condemn Sanduskey the child molester support gays. Sexual deviates are sexual deviates no matter the sub-strata term that’s applied to them. My sentiments are not persuaded by Jim Henson or anybody else who tries to put a pretty face on perversion. My advice to everybody is to GO STRAIGHT to Chick-Fil-A and EAT MORE CHICKEN!
Truth
July 24th, 2012
8:09 am
Seriously, I am supposed to care that a nerd playing a nerd (who is actually a nerd) no longer eats chic fil a? Or that a puppet company no longer supports CFA? Again, I say puppets. This is front page news??
CFA will be fine. They are a Christian company. Always have been and always will be. I mean, they have been ok so far opening six days a week even though nerds and puppets have never liked that either.
Ill take a #1 with a coke please.
"personal"
July 24th, 2012
8:10 am
I believe Lisa Henson should not be able to personally make a contribution to another organization without consulting Chik-Fil-A first. There is no business without a contract, so as long as what she did falls in line with their contract, then so be it!! im wondering if the Board approved of this? It is absurd to personally make a donation to another group without consulting both groups involved. Her backlash is unprofessional. Jim Henson is “For The Children” which many cannot voice their opinions any way. LGBT is comprised of mainly adults who have made personal commitment to themselves. Listen, Everybody does not have to agree to openly support your alternative to the norm lifestyle.
Tom
July 24th, 2012
8:10 am
I’ll never understand the urge to quote 2,000-year old religious narratives written by a bunch of very human Bronze Age stoners.
Kermet
July 24th, 2012
8:11 am
I am going to boycott the Muppets. Piggy and I like believe marriage is between a man and a woman!
Ace
July 24th, 2012
8:12 am
So if they (Henson Co) can call for a boycott because Chic Fila does not fall in line with their beliefs, how about everyone who is opposed to gay marriage for whatever reason, boycotts any company that supports it, is this the road we really want to go down, boycott everyone who disagrees with us
Truth
July 24th, 2012
8:12 am
YAWN — Can we discuss TSPLOST or something?
Pamela
July 24th, 2012
8:13 am
I’m so happy that the Muppets people showed their true colors. I will make SURE NOT to support anything they do! They are NOT of God. What the owner of Chik-Fil-A said IS TRUE! It’s amazing how people want to go against REAL Men and Women of God! Marriage IS between 1 man and 1 woman. If you don’t believe me or anyone else, then actually pick up your bible and READ IT!
A lot of you are sick puppies to THINK that same sex marriage is real and actually is honored by God. The devil IS a liar!
I will go to Chik-fil-A much more often now! God will continue to bless this man and his company!
A lot of you are heathens! You KNOW that homosexuality is dead wrong! But yet you CHOSE to accept it. Then you may as well accept those other perverts! Those people who have sex with children and animals! It’s all DISGUSTING!!!!!
You will have to answer to God for YOUR actions! So sad. You will reap with what you sew!
God Bless the REAL TRUE believers of God!
Riddle me this
July 24th, 2012
8:13 am
Isn’t Jerry Sandusky married? So he be welcomed with open arms by Chick Fil A right? God Bless America.
Tom
July 24th, 2012
8:14 am
Ace, moonbat groups like AFA keep trying to do just that. Ironically, they’d be living with less technology than the Amish if they actually carried it out. ;-)
MT
July 24th, 2012
8:14 am
Hey Folks, now we know where we can go eat and not have the “funny folks” around us.
Read The Bible
July 24th, 2012
8:14 am
The Bible tells the truth. Gay marriage is wrong!!!!!!! All these queers keep pushing it in everyone’s face. Send all the gays to an island of their own!!!!!!! God will take care of them in His own way. Wrong is Wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tom
July 24th, 2012
8:15 am
Which god, Pamela?……there have been thousands of gods invented by our species.
Good job, CFA!
July 24th, 2012
8:16 am
Guess what, gay folks – not everyone agrees with your agenda and it’s nice to see a major company come out and say it. If you don’t like it, don’t eat there. Seems like it’s always “believe what we do or you are wrong!” with the gay population. It’s too easy to just side with every special interest group in America – it takes a very brave and very moral company to say “we don’t”. Bravo CFA!!!!
Curtis
July 24th, 2012
8:16 am
I strongly disagree with CFA’s stance on the issue. I sure do love their food and their exemplary service, though. I’ll try not to eat there in protest of their official corporate stance (which I believe perpetuates archaic prejudices), but it’s going to be tough sometimes! Too bad it wasn’t Checkers that came out and took a backwards moral stance. They’d be a lot easier to boycott.
Tom
July 24th, 2012
8:16 am
Now tell me the one where the planet is only 6,000 years old and the human species has only ever existed in its current modern form.
Oh, and then the one about the three bears.
MT
July 24th, 2012
8:17 am
Isn’t Jerry Sandusky married?
Probably not for too much longer.He won’t ever be going to a Chick fil A
Anthony
July 24th, 2012
8:17 am
Really good suggestion from a friend of mine in Chicago for people who like the food and respect the company’s right to operate as it pleases:
Go ahead, eat the sandwich, but then give a donation to GLAAD for twice as much as you gave CFA. Everybody wins.
Here we go!
July 24th, 2012
8:17 am
Business 101 – every person is a potential client, lesson two – don’t offend your potential clients. I am glad the owner of the chicken chain personally feels the way he does. I am proud I feel differently than him. I think this was a very poor business decision to effectively piss off potential customers but hey, if that’s what he wants to do then speak publicly about how you are not inclusive. It just doesn’t make good business sense. For me, I am not a fast food person anyway, but I am much better than to patronize a place who doesn’t share my belief that God created all people equal.
Boycott the Muppets
July 24th, 2012
8:17 am
Seriously, we care that the Muppets think? Thank God for Chick Fil A
Latonia
July 24th, 2012
8:17 am
In the beginning GOD created Adam & Eve…..that is all I have to say about this matter.
voice of treason
July 24th, 2012
8:18 am
I can’t believe this is still an issue. Please learn the difference between “its” and “it’s.”
PR
July 24th, 2012
8:18 am
Chick-fil-a is run by a bunch of right wing homophobic bigots. Hope others wake up to the fact that CFA is not in touch with today’s society and stop supporting them. Keep your religion out of your business and my life!
OTP
July 24th, 2012
8:18 am
Isn’t choosing to not do business with them a prejudice in itself?
Riddle me this
July 24th, 2012
8:18 am
@MT lol… Maybe he’ll order it for his last meal. They’ll supersize it because he’s Christian.