Thousands of supporters of Chick-Fil-A gathered at their local branch nationwide for Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day on Aug 1.
Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day, declared by former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, was organized in support of the corporate chain’s CEO Dan Cathy’s public stance against same-sex marriage.
“We are very much supportive of the family, the biblical definition of the family unit,” Cathy said. “We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that.”
After an interview in The Baptist Press on July 16, Cathy’s view of marriage has sparked voicing from many groups across the nation. The National Organization for Marriage, an opposing group to same-sex marriage, called Cathy a “corporate hero for marriage.” Others were quick to denounce the company leader’s comment.
“Chick-Fil-A’s values are not Chicago’s values,” Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel said. “They’re not respectful of our residents, our neighbors, and our family members.”
Others, however, such as Chick-Fil-A supporter Alex Williams, defended the CEO’s right to free speech.
“I think that [Cathy] is entitled to his own beliefs and opinions which are protected by the First Amendment,” Williams said. “Whether he supports gay marriage or traditional marriage is completely up to him and it’s his right either way. [This issue] would increase my dining at Chick-Fil-A simply because I want to support the company.”
Some felt that protests against the restaurant chain would not cause any change.
“The fact that people are boycotting and protesting Chick-Fil-A because of their stance on gay marriage is pointless,” traditional marriage supporter Annabel Kim said. “Their efforts aren’t going to change Chick-Fil-A’s stance on this issue.”
Those in support of same-sex marriage took to the streets with their protests, declaring the following Friday, Aug 3 as “Kiss Day.” Organizers of the event urged same-sex couples to participate at eateries nationwide, encouraging them to post pictures and videos online via social media.
“I really think that Chick-Fil-A has the right to state its opinion on supporting traditional marriage,” same-sex marriage supporter Brandon Patricks said. “However, putting money to campaign against gay marriage is hateful and discriminatory. [Cathy] can state his stance, but to push against gay marriage is as bad as a hate crime.”
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