Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy sparked controversy with an interview last week in the Baptist Press, which asserted the company’s anti-gay marriage stance. It was stated that the beliefs of the Atlanta-based, family-owned, private company do not affect customer or employee affairs—save for the fact that the chain traditionally does not operate on Sundays. Chick-fil-A also claimed that it does not discriminate against customers or employees.
“We know that it might not be popular with everyone, but thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles,” President Cathy said.
On an episode of the Ken Coleman show, a radio program, Cathy also stated, “As it relates to society in general, I think we are inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at him and say, ‘We know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage.’ I pray God’s mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude to think that we would have the audacity to try to redefine what marriage is all about.”
On the backlash end of both gay rights activists and supporters, Chick-fil-A has burned bridges, most recently with the Muppets.
“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,” wrote the organization.
“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.”
Boston Mayor Thomas Menino told the Boston Herald: “Chick-fil-A doesn’t belong in Boston. You can’t have a business in the city of Boston that discriminates against a population.”
Former governor of Mike Huckabee of Arkansas, on the other hand, has swung into to the defense of the food chain. “No one is being asked to make signs, speeches or openly demonstrate. The goal is simple: Let’s affirm a business that operates on Christian principles and whose executives are willing to take a stand for the godly values we espouse by simply showing up and eating at Chick-fil-A on Wednesday, August 1,” he wrote on his Facebook page, calling for others to come out August 1st to show Chick-fil-A support.
At the same token, gay rights advocates are planning to protest Chick-fil-A by organizing aNational Same-Sex Kiss Day on Friday, August 3rd at locations across the nation.
Image Source Washington Post
Zainab is a full-time college student born and raised in New York City currently studying mass communications and journalism at the University of Delaware. Her interests include politics, fashion, writing, travel, and unhealthy doses of pop culture.
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Misleading headline on a balanced article.