Chick-fil-A locked in a Pennsylvania fight over gay marriage
Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A has found itself drawn into a fight over gay rights in Pennsylvania.
From my AJC colleague Jeremiah McWilliams:
A variety of complaints against the Atlanta-based company coalesced this month. There was the decision by a Chick-fil-A operator in Pennsylvania to supply food to an event sponsored by the Pennsylvania Family Institute, which has worked to defeat gay marriage initiates and has become a lightning rod for gay rights groups. There was a blogger’s contention that Chick-fil-A’s WinShape Foundation does not admit gay couples to marriage counseling.
Nicknamed “Jesus chicken” by jaded secular fans and embraced by Evangelical Christians, Chick-fil-A is among only a handful of large American companies with conservative religion built into its corporate ethos.
But recently its ethos has run smack into the gay rights movement. A Pennsylvania outlet’s sponsorship of a February marriage seminar by one of that state’s most outspoken groups against homosexuality lit up gay blogs around the country.
Students at some universities have also begun trying to get the chain removed from campuses.
“If you’re eating Chick-fil-A, you’re eating anti-gay,” one headline read. The issue spread into Christian media circles, too.
The controversy has moved president Dan Cathy to declare, in this video posted on the company Facebook fan page, to declare that while marriage is a focus of his chain, the provision of sandwiches and brownies for a local event is not an endorsement:
Dan Cathy Statement from Chick-fil-A on Vimeo.
Said Cathy:
”Some recent events have called into question the principles of Chick-fil-A, and speak directly to the heart of our organization. Last week, one of our local franchise Chick-fil-A operators in Pennsylvania made the decision to provide food to two upcoming February events billed to strengthen marriages.
“Marriage has long been a focus of Chick-fil-A, starting with my own Mom and Dad who are celebrating their 63rd year of marriage. In this case, the operator simply agreed to provide sandwiches and brownies for the events, as many Chick-fil-A franchises have done over the years for community events, businesses and civic groups.
“Some have used this small donation of food to suggest otherwise. We are very proud that our Chick-fil-A operators and employees work hard every day to go the extra mile in serving all of our customers with honor, dignity and respect.
“Let me be clear. Chick-fil-A serves all people, and values all people. Providing food to these events or any event is not an endorsement of the mission, political stance, or motives of this or any other organization. Any suggestion otherwise is just inaccurate.”
Clearly the topic is hot. This has been posted on the fast-food franchise’s Facebook fan page:
Hey fans. Please be respectful of others and treat this page as a fan page, not a place to argue with each other. Antagonistic, offensive, mean-spirited or crude posts will be removed and the person will be banned. Thank you.
Same applies here.
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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192 comments Add your comment
Liberal Pariah
January 30th, 2011
10:55 pm
Why does less than 3% of the population get to dictate how a business operates or what is taught in schools? Talk about bullying and tyranny of the minority. It’s not a civil rights issue because who you choose to have sex with is not a constitutional right. Liberal logic (oxymoron) makes my head hurt. Good night all.
BigPapa
January 30th, 2011
11:00 pm
Have you eaten this chicken? Chicken this good is obviously a blessing from God!
Michael McClure
January 30th, 2011
11:03 pm
Thank you Mr. Cathy for providing us rednecks and educated college students JOBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don’t know of one gay group or Hollywood union that have provided jobs to kids in school,seniors, or single parents like your company…or meals to the various groups in need. I believe in treating people, no matter of their convictions and beliefs, fairly. However this gay down your throat attitude has gotten out of hand. This is a restaurant chain, which provides a great healthy menu, not a political arm of any political party. You guys need to get a life, but I doubt you will. Because I bet all of you eat fast fat food – sit at a computer all day long – and have never ever walked a mile or done one sit-up. But boy you can JUDGE. How’s that Big Mac tasting right about now with your slice of pizza? Got Milk?
deltadan
January 30th, 2011
11:04 pm
As a loyal customer of Chick-Fil-A, I have to chuckle at this whole conversation. Your illogical unhappiness with their decision to donate food to this pro-marriage group simply creates free, mostly positive advertising for the company. Despite your desire otherwise, only a small percentage of potential customers will be “offended” at this. Bottom line is: your lunacy is good for their bottom line. Doesn’t that just get your goat?
Bobby Anthony
January 30th, 2011
11:05 pm
I am going to eat at places where the food is good. It is an individuals right to air his or hers political views in this country. I strongly believe gay discrimination is wrong, but I enjoy the food at Chick-Fil-A and will continue to eat with them. I will not discriminate against Chick-Fil-A because of their company policy. My only complaint with them is they don’t have a store in my town.
Ellen Fix
January 30th, 2011
11:06 pm
Okay, Chick-Fil-A donates its food to my kid’s high school all the time for all kinds of activities, yet never once has the franchisor asked what the sexual orientation or beliefs are of the particular organization. So if you want to “read” something into the incident in Pennsylvania, be my guest. But Dan Cathy clarified that to do so is bogus.
They make good chicken. They do good business. The corporate executives have a right to their beliefs because we live in America. I personally support gay rights, but it all goes back to the first sentence in this paragraph. End of story.
mark
January 30th, 2011
11:06 pm
good thing they didn’t provide pot brownies. everyone would be free thinking and realize this whole issue is so low on our human agenda. lets feed and love one another. free chix fli for all!
Amazed
January 30th, 2011
11:10 pm
Wow..surprised that this is causing an UPROAR..for those that think corporations have a “requirement to its consumers” I suggest you DON’T buy a Dell computer since the FOUNDER is the main investor in OneWest Bank…which has a loss share agreeement to KICK as many homeowners out of their home as possible to meet the agreements requirements to get paid..Or how about stop buying and watching Disney..who makes alternative movies through Touchstone pictures or its ABC shows like desperate housewives which make “affairs” look cool…PEOPLE wake up…the world is not a “good vs evil” when it comes to Corporation$…I will still buy Chick Fil A…life is too short and I like their food…and my NOT buying it is simply affecting me not the company!
Kinsi
January 30th, 2011
11:13 pm
Couple of points –
Hannibal – In my mind, chik-fil-a does have every right to make that donation. Just like gay folks and supporters have every right to chose to boycott and raise awareness that they’re doing it.
Who Cares – if it were a pro marriage group, then it would be different. After all, if the group is pro-marriage, gay marriage is legal in 5 states and D.C. So, they’d be for those marriages too.
5150 UOAD – Uh, Alec Baldwin isn’t gay? Wtf?
Tom
January 30th, 2011
11:14 pm
This is more AJC tripe trying to make a Good business look bad
5150 UOAD
January 30th, 2011
11:16 pm
Tom I know Alec isn’t Gay he is just an A..hole and a wife and child verbal and mental abuser.
5150 UOAD
January 30th, 2011
11:16 pm
Sorry not TOM that was to KINSI.
Aquagirl
January 30th, 2011
11:17 pm
This sounds like it was the decision of an individual franchise–one store—to pass out food, instead of a corporate donation. I’d probably boycott the individual store if I was in Pennsylvania, but why would I take it out on the local franchise around the corner from me? They had nothing to do with this situation.
Herr Drosselmyer
January 30th, 2011
11:21 pm
Ever noticed how homosexuality doesn’t exist in the animal kingdom? That’s a HUGE problem for the gay community and they know it. Can you say human perversion?
Oh yeah, some scientists realize this ENORMOUSLY MASSIVE credibilty problem, so they do try to cite so-called exceptions to make themselves feel better. But I for one have never seen gay behavior in animals, period. Zero.
tom
January 30th, 2011
11:24 pm
I see why they don’t sell beef now.
Jay
January 30th, 2011
11:26 pm
It’s Christians who try to shove their beliefs down everyones throat.
Kinsi
January 30th, 2011
11:26 pm
Liberal Pariah – How is this 3% of the population dictating what chik-fil-a? Hyperbole much? Are they saying they’re going to come in to your home and force you to stop eating chik-fil-a?
They’re saying that if Chik-fil-A wants to support that particular organization, then gay folk and supporters should be aware of it and not eat chik-fil-a.
Are you saying that in this, the land of the free, that gay folks and their supporters should be forced to support chik-fil-a? Chik-fil-A is free to sponsor that group if they want and like minded folk are free to support chik-fil-a and broadcast their reasons why, and folks who don’t agree have just as equal of a right to not eat there and broadcast their reasons why. Beauty of this country. They aren’t forcing their ideas on you, you should stop trying to force your ideas on them.
Aquagirl
January 30th, 2011
11:27 pm
Well, there we go, Herr Dipwad hasn’t seen it, it doesn’t exist! Thanks for clearing that up, maybe if you hauled yourself off the couch or read a book without pictures you’d learn there’s a whole big world out there, hon.
5150 UOAD
January 30th, 2011
11:28 pm
Jay again when you are about to die please don’t call to GOD since you don’t know him. He will hear your prayers, but you would feel so guilty wouldn’t you?
Pro-Marrage
January 30th, 2011
11:28 pm
I will SUPPORT Chik-Fil-A much more than I have in the past. Thanks Kinsi, I am glad I don’t have to sit near a bed-wetting liberal or politically correct rear-end kissing COWARD like you! I’l bet your mother BARKED LOUD!
CobbGOPer
January 30th, 2011
11:29 pm
Not that I agree with CFA’s political stances, but if I based all my spending decisions on politics, I’d never be able to buy anything anywhere. Of course, all these folks stating they won’t be eating at CFA anymore means one thing to me: shorter lines at lunch tomorrow. Nice!
/the CFA near me is always packed out at lunch, you have to wait just to get a parking space.
Kinsi
January 30th, 2011
11:31 pm
Herr Drosselmyer – homosexual behavior does exist in the animal kingdom. Do some research before making claims like that, it weakens your arguments. Here are some starting links for you:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexual_behavior_in_animals
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/07/0722_040722_gayanimal.html
5150 UOAD
January 30th, 2011
11:31 pm
Aquagirl in the animal kingdom 1 Male gets to service all the lidies in hie Pride, Pack, or Gaggle, but I have never seen a Male animal just make love to another male animal. Can you give some examples please.
Paul Blarf
January 30th, 2011
11:33 pm
Typical liberal drivel – ooohhh oohhh ow’y ow’y you hurted my wittle feelings… you bad person… i say you can think and say anyfing you want as long as you agree with me 100%… can’t we all get along, or, in other words… can’t everybody endorse and validate my gayness… else i get so so hurt… ow’y ow’y… i go get me some govertment protection..
chikin eater
January 30th, 2011
11:35 pm
um, I like the chicken sandwich and waffle fries.
Kinsi
January 30th, 2011
11:35 pm
Pro-Marrage – Happy to see you’re pro marriage, with gay marriage legal in 5 states and all. I don’t quite get where your anger is coming from. As for me, I firmly believe God loves everyone, and who are we to damn anyone in God’s name? God don’t like ugly. We all have to answer to our actions when we get into heaven – I’d rather face God with a clean conscience, free of anger, free of hate.
Do what?
January 30th, 2011
11:38 pm
Well, like Herr Drosselmyer says… the gay folk realize the exposure. As does the National Gayographic magazine. So, that’s like pointing someone to Time magazine to investigate liberal theology.
5150 UOAD
January 30th, 2011
11:39 pm
kinsi thanks for the links.
Outside Observer
January 30th, 2011
11:42 pm
The last time someone went to Chic-fil-a, were they forced to go to church? Did they shove the Bible down their throat? No. It is a company that was founded with Christian principles, chooses to continue abiding by those principles, and makes a high-quality product. They don’t force their beliefs at others, they just let the principles guide them on a daily routine. However, that doesn’t even matter as far as this is concerned. They donated food to an event, which is done all the time by Chic-fil-a. It is a marketing strategy. Every company does it. To boycott the company because of it is moronic. They do so much good in this world, and I am proud to consume Chic-fil-a often. If any moronic students tried to shut down the Chic-fil-a on my campus, I think there would be more support to keep it. Ugh. The stupid liberal media always makes a big deal about these things. If Wal-mart made a contribution to an abortion clinic, nothing would be said. But if Wendy’s donates to the NRA, all hell would break loose. If you don’t want to eat Chic-fil-a, fine. Don’t, but do it because you don’t like the food. Doing it because of something like this just makes you look dumb.
Aquagirl
January 30th, 2011
11:46 pm
5150, there’s some already up. And have you heard about those bonobos? Scandalous!
Fair n balanced
January 30th, 2011
11:50 pm
http://www.conservapedia.com/Homosexuality_in_animals_myth
uga63
January 30th, 2011
11:50 pm
It’s too bad that their agenda isn’t the only thing that homosexuals are trying to shove down my throat.
dawgs88
January 30th, 2011
11:52 pm
Chick fil a is anti fag? God I wish they were open Sundays! Tell those butt buddies where to stick it!
Scary...
January 30th, 2011
11:55 pm
What’s funny is that pretty much all of the posters here who have hateful things to say about gay people and supportive comments about businesses that discriminate are probably the children of people who had hateful things to say about blacks and supportive comments about businesses that discriminated.
The truth is that trash breeds trash. People who justify discrimination against other human beings based on something so laughably insignificant aren’t worth the air they breathe.
Scary...
January 30th, 2011
11:57 pm
“Ever noticed how homosexuality doesn’t exist in the animal kingdom? That’s a HUGE problem for the gay community and they know it. Can you say human perversion?”
You are posting on the internet. The internet that has Google. The Google where you can search for “homosexuality animals” and find page upon page upon page of information about same-sex behavior throughout nature…dating back to the 19th century. So…you are stupid. And ignorant. And basically a worthless human being who deserves to die.
Matt
January 30th, 2011
11:58 pm
Can’t wait for my next Chick-fill-A. Go ask the founder of CFA what he thinks. CFA would survive if it never sold to gays again.
Elvira kominski
January 31st, 2011
12:07 am
What is wrong with groups that promote stronger marriage? I am gay and think the strainght people need all the help they can get in this area. Straights are getting it wrong everyday. Just look at the divorce rate and the number of children that are born out of wedlock and the teen age birth rate. Can’t blame all that on the gays. If a stronger marriage keeps families together then more power to them. Gays are not the downfall of the american family, straights are….just look in the mirror. This tax paying, gainfully employeed, christian gay will eat at chic-fil-a any day of the week …except sunday or course!! I will say they can never take the Peach Bowl name away, that makes me madder than this issue ever will!
Omaha man
January 31st, 2011
12:12 am
After reading alot of comments on this section. Its clear that Christians that are replying don’t understand that the pro-family movement is the same thing as pro-hate to the people who don’t fit in to their beliefs. It’s deep into the pro family movement to attack people that are diffrent from the so called family. The gays are just fighting back and counter the attack of the religious right. Yes the do sell chicken but sell to the pro family group is like selling to the enemy
Crystal
January 31st, 2011
12:19 am
I’m sorry but isn’t a gay christian what you call an oxymoron? It’s black or white, no gray. You’re not going to be able to say “I love Jesus but I’m also gay” when you stand face to face with God. I think all liberals should have their heads examined. Christ died for all! There is still time for gay people. Accept Christ. Yea he loves you if you’re gay but he hates the lifestyle. Turn from it today and live for Christ the right way.
John
January 31st, 2011
12:19 am
I heard there is a McDonald’s in the middle East. If we boycott McDonald’s, that will truly show the world we don’t agree with Iran, Egypt, and Bin Laden. Is it legal to not be gay in Atlanta?
John
January 31st, 2011
12:19 am
Enter your comments here
John
January 31st, 2011
12:20 am
Is it legal to be hetero-sexual in Penn.?
John
January 31st, 2011
12:43 am
The bible says if you want to be Jew or Christian, you should CHOOSE to be man and wife. The bible is not condemning you for being gay, but telling you to make a choice. I am a married man, and I don’t tell anybody about my sex life.( After 23 years, there isn’t much) I have never had sex in Church.
In my teens I had a girlfriend. We did in the pool, the beach, my bed, her bed, family car, neighbor’s car, on the table, under the table, back yard, front yard, laundry mat, wash machine, spin cycle, and the bathroom floor in a mental hospital.
We weren’t married, so our sin was equal to or greater than the sin of homosexuality. It is a sin to wear clothes that are not pure wool. That is in the bible too. Don’t eat pork. That’s a sin too.
Kev
January 31st, 2011
12:45 am
“I’m sorry but isn’t a gay christian what you call an oxymoron? It’s black or white, no gray. You’re not going to be able to say “I love Jesus but I’m also gay” when you stand face to face with God. I think all liberals should have their heads examined. Christ died for all! There is still time for gay people. Accept Christ. Yea he loves you if you’re gay but he hates the lifestyle. Turn from it today and live for Christ the right way.”
You do realize that Jesus never once mentioned homosexuality in the Bible? If you want to quote Leviticus then if you eat pork or shellfish then you are just as much of an abomination as a gay person.
Crystal
January 31st, 2011
1:05 am
huh? Kev, Christ is the way, truth, and the life. Homosexuality is an abomination. It’s mentioned in the old testament and new testament. Jesus never had to mention it because it was known. He had more important things to talk about like relationship and the Kingdom of heaven. Stop taking what I said out of context and read the word. YOU WERE NOT BORN GAY! That is the biggest lie Satan can throw at someone.
John
January 31st, 2011
1:07 am
When I was a kid, I thought an abomination was a type of snowman.
John
January 31st, 2011
1:08 am
The USA is currently an Obama nation.
rid0617
January 31st, 2011
1:14 am
After reading this story I will begin eating at Chic Filet. Up till now I haven’t because they are expensive for what you get but I will do all I can to support their ethics. Guess what gay folks, not everyone approves of your sickening lifestyle and they are not required to condone it. Your lifestyle is perverse and after all males, in case your momma forgot to tell you it’s an exit, not an entrance. Time for this country to stand up to the sickening crap we’re being told to accept.
SurfinNSanDiego
January 31st, 2011
1:17 am
As a former practicing homosexual (no one — NO ONE!! is born homosexual, but practices or lives in a homosexual lifestyle), I wholly support Chick-Fil-A and its business ethos. Although the business in Pennsylvania was not endorsing a group by providing food for them, I do support (and encourage!!) their right to provide food for whatever organization they so choose to do so.
The homosexual response to Chick-Fil-A is purely driven by the need to focus attention upon their agenda; i.e., of forcing society to accept and to endorse their lifestyle in order for them to gain minority status. By doing so, it will enable them to change the laws of this country that will force us to officially accept and endorse homosexuality in all aspects of our society. Ever since 1972, the Gay Movement has set out to attack the media, the family, and the church. Private and public businesses being attacked by the Gay Movement are only one of the means to their end. Please SUPPORT Chick-Fil-A in resisting their efforts and to stand strong on the truth and not to waver.
Do whaaaa???
January 31st, 2011
1:48 am
Its Chick-fil-A not Chick-n-Chick-fil-A or even Gay-fil-a!!