A long line of hungry customers outside a Chick-fil-A location in Mississippi
Are you supporting one of the nation's most beloved chicken chains today? Amid a controversial statement from the president and COO of Chick-fil-A Dan Cathy, whose family does not support same-sex marriage, the gay community and its supporters are up in arms. What's also at issue is the company inserting itself into politics by making donations to anti-gay organizations totaling an estimated $5 million between 2003 and 2010.
This is what Cathy said that sent the nation into a tailspin in an interview on The Ken Coleman Show last month: "I think we're inviting God's judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at him and say, you know, 'We know better than you as to what constitutes marriage."' Cathy added that his company is "very much supporting of the family, the biblical definition of the family unit."
The company has forever been known for its Christian beliefs, like staying closed on Sundays to honor the sabbath. But, opponents nationwide to the company's stance contend the company is intolerant of their rights and beliefs. So much so Chicago protestors plan a "Kiss-in."
A politician in Chicago is blocking the restaurant from opening a store there, and a student at the University of Southern Mississippi has started a petition to get the Chick-fil-A booted from the campus, similar to what a NYC college student did not long ago. The Henson Company pulled its Muppets out of a marketing deal with Chick-fil-A. To add insult to injury, the company's main spokesman, Don Perry, died of a heart attack last week.
Chick-fil-A has 1,600 locations in 39 states and Washington, D.C. and had more than $4 billion in sales last year. The company may hurt for a little while, but supporting customers who love "chikn" will stay around. Will you get your fill of chikn today? How do you feel about the company's stance? Is the backlash unfair? Speak!
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