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.)
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,331 comments Add your comment
Noon
July 24th, 2012
8:19 am
No more Muppets for me
T Man
July 24th, 2012
8:19 am
Good by Howard and Dianna. We won’t miss you and the line wil be less crowded…..or maybe it will be more crowded. I’ll be sure to tell them not to hold your orders or send them straight to….
Greg
July 24th, 2012
8:19 am
Wow, I see no where that Chick Fli A said they would not serve, love, or pray for homosexuals, they stated they do not agree with them.
I guess the day has past that if I have a different opinion then others, they are going to take their toys and go home, protest, and discriminate against me?
So I guess it is OK for the city of Boston to discriminate against Chick Fli A? Is this the only company they discriminate against or is it part of a long list? I am sure the city of Boston does not allow it’s employees to discriminate in any form, but yet they are going to publicly make a statement of discrimination against Chick Fli A? Such a sad time to live in Boston.
RiverDawg
July 24th, 2012
8:20 am
I’ll be eating more Chick-fil-A sandwiches in the future and saying to good bye to the muppets. Marriage is union/comittment between a man and a woman. period. America has gotten to far away from the core values from which it was founded. Does Sodom and Gomorrah ring a bell ?
Candace
July 24th, 2012
8:20 am
I would like to remind the conservatives here that they’re supposed to be boycotting JC Penney for using Ellen DeGeneres as a spokeswoman. Conservatives have used boycotts countless times to make their views known to companies with which they disagree. Gays and lesbians have the same right to choose where they spend their money. If companies, either conservative or liberal, cannot recognize that all money is green, then they deserve to be boycotted by those who don’t want their money used in ways they don’t like. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander, so don’t attack liberals for doing exactly what the conservatives do as well.
Joe
July 24th, 2012
8:20 am
This discussion reminds me of another chicken restaurant that came down on the wrong side of history. Remember that Lester Maddux refused to serve African-Americans at his Pickrick Restaurant in Atlanta? Now it’s true that Chick-fil-a is not refusing to serve the gay community, but the corollary is at least worth considering. How many people today would argue that Lester Maddux, a private property owner, had every right to refuse service to whomever he wanted? Let me be clear, Chick-fil-a is not guilty of discrimination in fact. But, by publically stating that they do not support gay marriage, they certainly are guilty of inferring that not all people are worthy of the same equal rights as heterosexuals. Just as I hope I would not have supported Lester Maddux, today I chose not to support the tacit discrimination of Chick-fil-a. You can make your own decisions, but I’m betting that, looking back, I’ll be on the right side of history.
mgdawg
July 24th, 2012
8:20 am
I think what people are missing here is that dan cathy simply expressed his view, chickfila does not discriminate against gay people. I rarely, meaning once or twice a year, go to mcdonalds, burger king, wendy’s, etc. because of the way in which their employees act towards the customer. At Chickfila they treat every customer great and believe the customer is always right. Dan Cathy simply expressed his opinion, is this a country where you do not have a freedom of speech. Keep in mind most states still believe marriage is only between a man and a woman.
Having said that, people do have the right to disagree with your opinion and boycott if they want to, that is their right. Here is my opinion. God does love everyone, but that doesn’t mean that he loves all your actions. He will forgive you for all your sins, but that doesn’t mean he accepts sins. We should all strive to do the right thing, if you are living in a lifestyle contradicts this then you need to change your lifestyle. God is a God of love, but he can hate certain actions.
Lynn
July 24th, 2012
8:20 am
Chik-Fil-A is entitled to their opinion and should not be condemned for stating what they believe.
I am not gay, but I firmly believe in and support gay-marriage and will continue to do so. Chik-Fil-A is not refusing to serve me, or anyone else because we have different opinions. I will continue to enjoy Chik-Fil-A food. And I will continue to support everyone’s right to their opinion.
MT
July 24th, 2012
8:21 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.
True. If God didn’t make it who did? Who made the matter, in the falsely named big bang.
It takes more faith to belive that evolution crap than it does, In the beginning God created…
Dionne
July 24th, 2012
8:21 am
Thank goodness Zaxby’s just opened down the street! Now I can eat my chicken salad while I watch the muppets!! ANimAl Forever!!! And I think if Ms. Piggy and Kermit can talk about getting hitched, then equality for all! FYI for those outside of GA, not everyone knows about Chik-fil-A’s no sunday, all Christian all day thingy, lol. It’s a big chain but it’s been based in the south For Ever till recently. I think that’s where they’re struggling against people who don’t accept their beliefs and policies. But Zaxby’s, yumm yumm yuuuummmmm!
Involved Parent
July 24th, 2012
8:21 am
Team Muppets all the way!
Lets be real
July 24th, 2012
8:22 am
Chick – Fil – A came across as this superior better than others attitude. How quickly this company has forgotten that they made their wealth off the backs of gays, people who had children out of wedlock, people who have married more than once, and people who think they have it made because they have been married once to the same person. It takes more than superior attitude. We live in a world that people have to live and be themselves. You do you and others will do them. Chick – Fil – A should have kept their mouths shut.
Eddie Long
July 24th, 2012
8:22 am
I loves me those little Chick Fil A, boys behind the counter. Wish I could preach the word to them. Also enjoyed taking y’all suckers money. Do as I say not as I do.
ToomanyLatinos
July 24th, 2012
8:22 am
I don’t care about chick-fil-A family’s Crhistian believes, once their CEO started spreading their morals views they in fact opened a platform of discussion, I do not share their hate extreme opinion of gay people and their right to get married, and that’s by far more important and decisive than getting a chicken sandwich. Me , my friends and my family share as well those feelings, therefore we will NEVER again support their business ! And I applaud progressive companies like Jim Henson for pushing away ultra conservative business that promote hate, segregation and not equality…
Rodster
July 24th, 2012
8:23 am
To my christian brethren… just offer the love of christ. If you’re going to quote or imply the laws in Leviticus about homosexuality, then you’d better adhere to all the laws and regulations in Leviticus. Go read it. See where this becomes a slippery slope?
Mike
July 24th, 2012
8:23 am
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.”
Now that’s funny.
dre
July 24th, 2012
8:24 am
What are all of you pro-muppet fanatics worried about? What are the muppets to you anyway, a gay lifestyle, yourh indoctrination tool? Eet mor chickin!!!
Bobby
July 24th, 2012
8:24 am
Chick-fil-A is NOT a Christian restaurant. Nor is the Cathy family Christian. They twist the Bible to support their own personal narrow minded beliefs. They neither support nor love Jesus Christ.
Charles Hines
July 24th, 2012
8:25 am
I have been watching this gay rights movement for a number of years. It is appalling how so many people have jumped on its wagon. That is, supporting perversion and sin according to the highest laws of the universe. Gay marriage is anti-family in the truest sense. And “God made the male and female and said unto them be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:27-28). If two women and two men could multiply, then they may have somewhat of a point–somewhat. However, their union still goes against nature.
The thing that really bothers me about this whole issue is that so-called Christians are advocating it. They are so deceived that they are like the people in bible who had lost sight of God and started calling “wrong-right,” and right-wrong.
And another thing–I get offended when gay and lesbians try to compare their perversion with African-Americans plight of the past. I am a product of the Jim Crow laws of the South—I was denied my rights in America because of my skin of which I had no choice in the matter. I had to go the back-door of the restaurant to get my fries and hamburger—I could not go to certain stores or colleges. They are not denied those rights. In fact, they have a choice—remember; “God made them male and female.” There is no third sex. Jim Crow laws were states laws, but legal. However, it did not make it right. If people are going to authorize or legalize sin and perversion, then go ahead and do it for adultery, child molestation, murder, rape, etc. Don’t they all have rights? You get my point–I hope. Hooray, for Chick-fil-la!
Norris
July 24th, 2012
8:26 am
Yeah for Jim Henson! This is exactly what is wrong with this country. Too many people spend way too much time worrying what other people do in there bedrooms! It’s always the same; let’s bring up smoke screen issues so we don’t have to worry about any real problems. I am not gay but I support those who are. Sorry folks but they are the way god made them. It sure is funny how republicans are so up in arms over this yet they tend to be the ones in the closet! Hummm……
Tom
July 24th, 2012
8:26 am
MT, ever hear of ‘the scientific method’ or ‘peer review’? Evolution carries the weight of both.
AMoon
July 24th, 2012
8:26 am
It all comes down to people thinking they are entitled. Chick-fil-A just voiced its opinion about what marriage is. It is so pathetic that “special interest” groups think it is okay for them to (just short of literally) bash those who do not agree with their lifestyle. Aren’t they doing the EXACT same thing to Chick-fil-A that they accuse Chick-fil-A of doing to them?! Chick-fil-A has not said they will not serve gays nor have they said anything derogatory toward gays. They simply said they do not agree with that lifestyle. If I like apples and you don’t – does that make you discriminatory against apples?! Grow up people. You aren’t that special.
JustaMomsThoughts
July 24th, 2012
8:26 am
I have more respect for Chic-Fil-A and their leadership more than ever now, standing up for what is right & biblical, for they what they have always believed. This is a behaivor, not a disease, ethnicity or anything that can be helped its a choice, I now have lost respect for Jim Henson company, they took a stand for their beliefs as well but that is something I won’t support.
Littlefoot
July 24th, 2012
8:27 am
I love Chic Fil A…I’ve gone extra this past week and am happy someone is standing up for what they believe in. People are entitled to their opinions whether you agree or not.
Blake
July 24th, 2012
8:27 am
Oh Theresa – really? Is there nothing better to write about than this polarizing, dividing topic? Every now and then I will see your column, peruse it and wonder why you bother. Somehow I bet you live in a suburban zip code, are not a journalist by education, and that you are pretty, well – base. For the record, gay, educated, liberal, and yes….I eat at Chick Fil A. Perhaps people should boycott you, your articles, and the AJC for employing you! Haha ( not really I just think you write nothing but foolishness, and I don’t think it is helping the declining circulation of the AJC) So I say it all with a smile but go get a makeover, broaden your horizons, and write about something. Write – Theresa – Write, don’t simply pose divisive questions to the community with the tag of “be nice in your replies”. Sheesh. How did you do in journalism school?
Scott
July 24th, 2012
8:27 am
Same sex marriage leads to human extinction. Homosexualism is a disease, not a civic right. Homosexualism is biblical crime that is punishable by death. I support Chick-Fil-A woth all my heart.
Jerome Horwitz
July 24th, 2012
8:28 am
While I do not agree with the Cathy’s view, they are entitled to their opinion and free to support the causes they agree with. I have the right to hold different values and express them by getting my fast food chicken somewhere else. No problem – you respect my values and I’ll respect yours.
Whirled Peas
July 24th, 2012
8:28 am
It is funny that those who declare themselves to be tolerant are so intolerant to people who hold beliefs different from themselves.
The Stodge
July 24th, 2012
8:29 am
Chick Fil A should release a new chicken sandwich, and call it the Big Bird!
Creflo Dollar
July 24th, 2012
8:29 am
What’s next… They gonna make it where you can’t punch yo ho’in daughter in the face when she git’s uppity?
MT
July 24th, 2012
8:29 am
Now it’s true that Chick-fil-a is not refusing to serve the gay community,
I don’t ever remember going in a Chick Fil A and being ask what my sexual preference is( BTW there is only one method of sex) homosexuality is not really sex,its preversion.Anyway nobody is not going to be served because of their persuasion.
Grits
July 24th, 2012
8:29 am
I stand with Chick-Fil-A. The retards can have the Muppets.
jim cassell
July 24th, 2012
8:29 am
I am sure Chick Fill can live w/o my business, I’m certain I can live WITH OUT the chicken butchers.
Texas Pete
July 24th, 2012
8:29 am
Following Christ and.biblical teaching on sexual behavior has always been offensive. Stating that you choose unashamedly to run your company on biblical principles is also offensive. The Cathy family knows this and they are willing to pay the price for being true followers of Christ. I applaud the Cathy family. May other believers take courage from their example.
Someone
July 24th, 2012
8:30 am
What’s the purpose of announcing their beliefs? True, everyone has a right to believe what ever they like and speak their oppinions, but I don’t understand why any company would feel they need to publicly announce their support one way or another. I personally dont care for the food, never have and never will so I have no reason to eat their food, doesnt matter that I’m gay or atheist. It would make a difference in my opinion if they said they would fire any employee that outed themselves after this. I am friends with lots of folks who are religious and spiritual and love me for who I am as a person not my sexuality or non-beliefs and that’s all that matters in my opinion.
Marsh
July 24th, 2012
8:30 am
All you so-called “christians” make me sick. Judge not lest ye be judged, morons. Don’t forget to spit on a Girl Scout while on your way to church Sunday! I look forward to having you tailgate me on your way home from Golden Corral. Moooo.
Motocross Survivor
July 24th, 2012
8:30 am
YAWN. Let ‘em knock themselves out. I ate at Chic fil ay once. The food is standard fast food at best, the prices hearty, and the idiot at the register didn’t give me proper credit for the coupon I had. As far as the homos mad at them? Who cares?
Willa Boswell
July 24th, 2012
8:30 am
I support both sides on the issue of Gay rights. I don’t feel that either side should be punished because of their viewpoints. I’m sure there are gays working for Chick fil-a that mamagement is unaware of and because they are gay, this hasn’t affected their job performance. This is the bottom line, are the employees doing their job, regardless to their sexual orientation? Pulling a relationship just because there is a difference in opinion about a certain group of people is bad business. Both sides should look at the situation and ask the question. . .”If I was drowning in the ocean and someone pulled me to dry land and had to administer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, would it matter if the person is gay or not.” For me personally, I would like to live and if that person is gay administering life support, so be it. If I’m the one giving life support, it would not matter because all I’d want to do is save a life. Think about it!
JANICE
July 24th, 2012
8:30 am
I am proud to say, I support Chick-Fil-A and their stand. As a Christian and one who believes in the same values, I comend them. It truly amazes me how weak people can be when called upon to show or tell what they believe, they back down, but T. Cathey and family have no. Their stand causes me to want to support their restaurants more.
Glad I do not have young children, they would not be watching the muppets as a support for CFA, however, I am going to encourage all those I know who do, to not watch them.
The Word of God, which I believe in, read…..marriage is between a man and a women
MT
July 24th, 2012
8:31 am
MT, ever hear of ‘the scientific method’ or ‘peer review’? Evolution carries the weight of both.
Yeah its called sitting on the fence.
Mike H
July 24th, 2012
8:31 am
It is funny that the media/Hollywood and others in the arts feel like their beliefs are the only ones around. Hollywood does not represent the majority of what regular people’s actual beliefs are. I think it is great Chick fil a has taken a stand.
root4au
July 24th, 2012
8:31 am
It’s what Chic fil a believes in. Always has and always will. So if you don’t like their stance on gay marriage don’t eat there. I love the fact they don’t cave on their belief system like most people and companies do. I applaud them for standing up for whats right and not caving to the itsy bitsy minority.
Pamela
July 24th, 2012
8:31 am
Tom if you are asking me that question then you are NOT saved! The God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob. Some call him Allah. I call Him God/Lord/Savior Jesus Christ! I pray for your salvation. There is ONLY 1 GOD!
Taylor Wooten
July 24th, 2012
8:32 am
Kudos to Chick-Fil-A!
Who gives a crap what the Muppetts say or do.
Ill keep showing my loyalty to Chick-Fil-A. They stand for things that are good and right.
Fidlin1
July 24th, 2012
8:32 am
Shut your piehole Miss Piggie or Chic-Fil-A will start with you selling BBQ.
Live and let live.
July 24th, 2012
8:32 am
I don’t care if your’e straight or gay, as long as it isn’t interfering with my corner of the world. On the other hand, I don’t force my beliefs on anyone, and I don’t appreciate others trying to force their beliefs on me. We get it, OK? You’re gay. Maybe it was a big deal 15 years ago, but now, not so much, because nobody cares that you came out and that you’re boycotting a resturant chain that doesn’t agree with your lifestyle. Again, you’re trying to force your way of thinking on others…..and I am sure that Mr. Cathy doesn’t give a hoot in hell about a boycott, and I would imagine that Chick-Fil-A will continue to make boo-coodles of money, whether gays eat there or not. You need to look at my handle and follow the same advice…..live and let live.
Mateo
July 24th, 2012
8:32 am
Actively working to prevent a group of people from obtaining a right that the vast majority of Americans have is discrimination, pure and simple. They are entitled to do that because of the 1st amendment just as I am entitled to spend my money elsewhere because I don’t agree with their view. All I can say is thank God for the separation of church and state, for now at least.
David
July 24th, 2012
8:32 am
We have lost sight of the reality that what we call rights are the God given privelidge to choose between right and wrong. Christians know that God loves His creaion which include humanity. It His desire to see all turn to Him so the inheritance of salvation may be bestowed upon them, but when His love is rejected and a person chooses to do whatever he/she wants against His commandments then there is no choice left. You suffer the consequences of your choice.
Chris
July 24th, 2012
8:32 am
I guess that means our family will stop purchasing muppet products and watching their movies. Mr. Cathy is entitled to his opinions like everyone else. To have to deal with boycotts – and the fury that followed his comments – just tells me how intolernt the folks are who have a problem with it.
ronald
July 24th, 2012
8:32 am
this will actually increase sales at chick-fil-a. cleaner bathrooms too…