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Chick-Fil-A Gets More Unlikely Champions In Marriage Controversy

Top Chick-fil-A spokesman Donald Perry dies of a heart attack

Chick-fil-A seems to be getting more unlikely champions in the ongoing dispute over marriage.

It’s not only those on the left such as the American Civil Liberties Union that have perhaps surprisingly taken the side of Chick-fil-A following the controversy over CEO Dan Cathy’s support of traditional marriage. Media outlets such as the left-liberal Boston Globe, the far-left Mother Jones, and liberal Time have expressed support for the fast-food chain after public officials in Boston and Chicago made noises about denying the company operating permits or licenses.

For many on the left and the right, the issue is actually not necessarily about the status of marriage or an issue of faith (or non faith), but whether a private company can be muscled by government for certain views that politicians don’t like when there are no complaints about its actual business operations from employees or customers.

Chick-fil-A provides substantial financial support to traditional marriage groups but apparently also donates a lot of cash to wholly non-political charities.

The courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, have consistently ruled that money is a form of “speech” subject to constitutional protections.

Further on the subject of money, wouldn’t the most effective remedy for customers who disagree with a particular company policy (or how company profits are directed) to “vote with the wallets” as the saying goes?

Here’s a roundup from liberal publications that support same-sex marriage but at the same time are also defending Chick-fil-A:

The Boston Globe editorialized, in part…

But which part of the First Amendment does [Boston Mayor] Menino not understand? A business owner’s political or religious beliefs should not be a test for the worthiness of his or her application for a business license…Chick-fil-A must follow all state and city laws. If the restaurant chain denied service to gay patrons or refused to hire gay employees, Menino’s outrage would be fitting…But beyond the fact that Chick-fil-A is closed on Sundays, the religious beliefs of the company’s top executive don’t appear to control its operations….

But using the power of government to freeze the company out of a city sends a disturbing message to all businesses. If the mayor of a conservative town tried to keep out gay-friendly Starbucks or Apple, it would be an outrage.

Here’s what Mother Jones posted on its website:

Blocking construction of Chick-fil-a restaurants over Cathy’s views is a violation of Cathy’s First Amendment rights. Boston and Chicago have no more right to stop construction of Chick-fil-As based on an executive’s anti-gay views than New York City would have had the right to block construction of an Islamic community center blocks away from Ground Zero. The government blocking a business from opening based on the owner’s political views is a clear threat to everyone’s freedom of speech—being unpopular doesn’t mean you don’t have rights. It’s only by protecting the rights of those whose views we find odious that we can hope to secure them for ourselves.

A Time Magazine columnist raised similar concerns:

No evidence has been presented to suggest that Chick-fil-A discriminates against gay or lesbian customers or employees. There is nothing to suggest that the company has broken the law in any way….The only issues at play are the personal view of the owner of the restaurant chain and the philanthropic efforts of the private company…

Would it be O.K. for a mayor to reject a business owned by a Muslim because the mayor was offended by the teachings of Islam? Would it be O.K. for the mayor of a coal community to deny a building permit to a newspaper that planned to write critically of the coal industry?

…Robust public disagreements over issues like the definition of marriage are a symptom of a functioning democracy, not evidence of its dysfunction…Consumers have every right to patronize or boycott any restaurant they choose for any reason. But a government’s responsibility is different. It is one thing for big-city politicians to voice their own views. It is another thing for them to threaten businesses with the power of their elected office for not sharing those views.

Finally, a Chicago Sun Times editorial offered this perspective:

…If the residents of [Chicago Alderman] Moreno’s 1st Ward are offended by those anti-gay views, they can choose to eat elsewhere. They might even organize a boycott. Chick-fil-A will get the message….

Chicago is a proudly gay-friendly town, and Moreno no doubt speaks for many Chicaogans when he says he’s offended by Cathy’s views. But where in the First Amendment does it say that Cathy is free to speak his mind only as long as Moreno agrees with him?

…If and when Chick-fil-A discriminates against a gay customer or employee, that violation of the law — and not Cathy’s personal views — would be grounds for the city coming down hard.

Regardless of your views on the same-sex marriage issue, do you think freedom of speech under the First Amendment is in play in this controversy?

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Comments

94 Responses to “Chick-Fil-A Gets More Unlikely Champions In Marriage Controversy”

  1. Manijeh Ghobity

    Thank you! Just because a mayor doesn't agree with a companies opinion does not mean he can ban their stores from their city! Its a free country! What makes them think that's ok? This chick flia crap makes me so mad! I drive down the street and see flags hanging for miles on the side of the roads about gay pride! Its always pushed on us to support gay marriage and rights! Yet 1 company comes out and states their belief and just because its not what people agree with they are terrible people! So what if they donate money to something they believe in! They have the right to do that! Just like jc penny, google, apple bees, coke, best buy, mcdonalds, microsoft, target and tons of other companies have their belief and support it. All those companies came out and said they support gay marriage but was that ever a big deal? Nope! Did Christians blow it up and try to ban their stores. No! Chick flia is a Christian company! Just like this country is suppose to be. Well before Obama anyways. What happened to "one nation under God"? Its so sad that nobody listens to his word anymore.

  2. Julie Cage Racster

    Companies are not people. Money provided by a company is not protected speech. But however that works out CFA won't see a nickel of my money, just as they haven't for many years.

  3. Julie Cage Racster

    Oh yes, plenty of bigots have tried to protest the companies you list. Fortunately we all recognize them for the backwater dbags they are and either ignore or make fun of them. Just like we do to you.

  4. Julie Cage Racster

    Oh yes, plenty of bigots have tried to protest the companies you list. Fortunately we all recognize them for the backwater dbags they are and either ignore or make fun of them. Just like we do to you.

  5. Paula Berkeyheiser Murphy

    The owner(s) of any company are entitled to their opinions and have the right to voice them. If people disagree with their opinions than they as consumers have the right to not purchase the product(s) that the company sells/provides. This country has become so "politically correct" and afraid of offending someone that it has become an embarrassment to countries around the world. Whatever happened to the freedoms that we used to enjoy as Americans and individuals taking responsibility for their own actions.

  6. Paula Berkeyheiser Murphy

    The owner(s) of any company are entitled to their opinions and have the right to voice them. If people disagree with their opinions than they as consumers have the right to not purchase the product(s) that the company sells/provides. This country has become so "politically correct" and afraid of offending someone that it has become an embarrassment to countries around the world. Whatever happened to the freedoms that we used to enjoy as Americans and individuals taking responsibility for their own actions.

  7. Brenda Kelley

    Why can't we agree to disagree any more? No matter which way you believe, we all have a right to speak our opinion. That should have nothing to do with running a business. I have never found them to be mean or vendictive towards any type of life style, but they have a right to feel it's wrong, the same as others have the right to feel it's OK. I'm tired of the HATE on all sides. I don't always agree with my sisters, but I don't hate them because they don't believe the same as I do. I love Chick-fil-A and will continue to support them, but if someone feels they cannot support the business because of how the CEO or owner feels, that is also their right. PLEASE, let's quit judging each other and agree to dsagree without spouting hate. I believe this is still the Land of the FREE. Or is it? Lord help us alll.

  8. Kathie Frakes Stafford

    If the mayor of Boston is wrong then not allowing same sex couples to marry is wrong. I support gay rights and I support Mr Cathys rights also. Listen people you cant draw a line in the sand. State and religion do not and should not belong in setting laws.

  9. Michele Bidwell

    I feel like I live in some kind of Twilight Zone movie. We are now living in a country where people get mad an violent if you support the teachings of the bible. This country was based on the values in the bible. There is a portion in the bible that specifically says that having same sex relations is bad. But now if you don't support "new beliefs" in what is right and wrong you are a horrible person. Good for you Chick Flia! Its about time someone stood up to the people that have made being a Christian is bad and being Gay is good. I wouldn't be surprised if Hitchcock has a Twilight Zone episode like that. I'm going to Chick flia on purpose now……a lot!

  10. Trish Barley Merkel

    Being a vegetarian makes my decision easy. I never went to Chick Fil-A. I'm sad about the chickens that live in horrible conditions & the little male chicks that are crushed while they are still alive. We have had Mayors & local politicians that have made alot of decisions I didn't agree with and that is the way it will always be. No one says that life is fair.

  11. Dewayne Guyton

    I've come to realize people are dumber than hot rocks! This whole Chic-Fil-A thing is getting stupid! I don't agree with you, you don't agree with me so I'm going to boycott everything you do? why not just come out and say it? "I'm going to take my toys and go home and play by myself!". As a Christian, I agree with Chic-fil-A's stance on gay marriage. But also as a Christian, I'm not going to be childish enough to pitch such a fit against other companies that hold beliefs that differ from my own! If I did, I'd have to become a shut in! I'd never get to wear Nike shoes or Levi pants! I'd never fly American Airlines! I'd never eat another Oreo cookie! I could never wash my clothes with TIDE! Wheaties would never fill my bowl! I could never brush my teeth with Crest! Kraft Macaroni and Cheese would never please my pallet! I could never again drink another PEPSI! that won't happen! I'd never be able to savor another Girl scout cookie! that's right! The Girl Scouts support Gay Marriage! Me and The Pillsbury Dough-boy will have to part ways! FORD could never be as tough as they once were! How about YOU believe how YOU want to believe and I"LL believe how I want to believe and we all just get along! As a Christian, I believe the Word of God to be true and just! But I'm not going to jump down your throat if you don't accept Him! So, stop being ignorant and have a chicken nugget!

  12. Leighanna Boekeloo

    I have a very sensitive palate, and I can tell when the secret ingredient is HATE! Yuck! I've never been the biggest Chik-Fil-A fan anyways, so not eating there won't hurt me none!

  13. Ida Hendley

    I think this world, this country is in major trouble. When Christians cannot voice how they feel, especially when they are asked a question in which it takes an answer that includes or will contain your personal beliefs, then you are ridiculed for it, but let other religions or groups that are against Christian beliefs speak out and it is okay. But we are wrong, something is wrong with the whole situation.

  14. Leighanna Boekeloo

    Also there is a HUGE difference between Freedom Of Speech and Freedom To Oppress!! It is one thing to express an opinion, and an entirely different thing when you spend money to prevent a group of human being's rights!!

  15. James D Boggs

    WOW…..name-calling and denigrating someone you don't agree with sure does validate YOUR belief system, Ms. Racster. I personally don't care one way or another about the issue of gay marriage, but if someone with as little class such as YOU called me a bigot, all I would do is smile and thank you for the compliment.

  16. Kim LaCapria

    For the millionth time, no one cares about agreeing with someone, or punishing them for the things they BELIEVE. It's that Chick Fil A gives millions of dollars a year to groups that in turn fund bad and harmful things like conversion therapy. So everything you buy there is giving them money to give to groups that work to hurt gay people.

    If Dan Cathy just believed gay people were one thing or another, I would still patronize Chick-Fil-A. But I can't in good conscience give money to someone that is going to make it so my friends will be hurt, denied medical benefits or denied the right to marry.

    That makes sense, doesn't it?

  17. Kim LaCapria

    For the millionth time, no one cares about agreeing with someone, or punishing them for the things they BELIEVE. It's that Chick Fil A gives millions of dollars a year to groups that in turn fund bad and harmful things like conversion therapy. So everything you buy there is giving them money to give to groups that work to hurt gay people.

    If Dan Cathy just believed gay people were one thing or another, I would still patronize Chick-Fil-A. But I can't in good conscience give money to someone that is going to make it so my friends will be hurt, denied medical benefits or denied the right to marry.

    That makes sense, doesn't it?

  18. Dewayne Guyton

    Seriously?!?!? Okay, would you like the true list of Christian Companies so you can gather your toys and play by yourself, too? I'll be glad to list them!

  19. James D Boggs

    And with sales of more than 4 billion (that's with a "B"), they're not missing your nickels, Ms. Racster. As an American, you're free to believe what you like, and to spend your money where'd you like. For that matter, people like you should realize that like most things in life, TOLERANCE is a two-way street….

  20. Kim LaCapria

    I am Christian. But conversion therapy is proven to be harmful. Again, we can all co-exist but I can't in good conscience know I am giving money to someone who is going to give money to put kids in a camp that teaches them to hate themselves. Did you see that HBO movie about Ted Haggard? You can't pray the gay away!

    I am happy to give money to Christian organizations that feed the poor, house the homeless, tend to the sick… you know, follow Jesus' teachings. When it goes to abusing kids? No way.

    But. That is ALL neither here nor there. No one is talking about boycotts because of what someone THINKS. No one is doing that. It is a straw man argument. It is because of what people do with the money.

  21. Dewayne Guyton

    Kim LaCapria I can see, basically YOUR argument. Can you see mine? YOUR beliefs are being shoved down my kid's throat without my permission, without my consent! Home Depot and Lady Gaga are working together to FORCE CHILDREN to hear how "being gay is wonderful" and the school systems are saying i can't do a thing about it!!! So, you're going to have to forgive me if I can hear you but can't really sympathize with you whole heartedly. The Gay Agenda is FORCING its way into my child's life?!?! YOU are shoving YOUR SIN DOWN MY KID'S THROAT and saying i can't do a thing about it? I just don't think so.

    Now, AGAIN, you have your beliefs, I have mine. Let's choose to agree to disagree. By the way, Jesus also had one more teaching you forgot to mention, it's called "REBUKING SIN", BUT FOR SOME REASON PEOPLE FORGET THAT ONE WHEN IT'S CONVENIENT FOR THEIR CAUSE.

  22. Kim LaCapria

    Jesus also said don't like, and Chick-Fil-A lied about Muppet toys. I respect not all families feel the way mine does. And I don't expect them to have the same beliefs. But talking about being gay is different than giving money. That's where I think the line is drawn. My kids have grown up around gay people their whole lives. No one ever shoved a thing down their throats. No one can be made gay, so it's not like gay people recruit anyone. And for the record, my kids have never asked a question about how our gay friends have sex. They just know gay men love men and gay women love women, and it's no big deal.

  23. Dewayne Guyton

    Kim LaCapria , So, what you';re saying is if I give a friend money and that friend uses that money to go by a sling shot and with that sling shot he shoots baby kittens, then I condone stoning baby kittens? I know it sounds ridiculous and for a good reason. Think real hard on this one.

  24. Suzanne Lane

    I do not appreciate what atheeir saying! I have faily and friends are gay and they don't dessrve this I will not eata there again until they change their attitude and I like to eat there. I even wish that they would be kicked off the basketball tournamnet I'm a parat of. I don't think it will happen but I wish we would sstaand up for equality for all genders and people. any way you look at it its a form of prejudice against people who havn't done anything to you except five you their business. I hope that everyone will stop eating there just to show how wrong they areI would love to see a one day ban from eating there just to show them how much it hurts these people AND hurt their pocketbooks! I have pledged that I will not give Chic-fil-aa any of my business until they apo;ogize. Its like saying that Indians or any foreign group or religions aren't allowed to eat there! Its 2012 people and there should be no discrimination against anyone! wonder how many gay empoyees they've had over the years?

  25. Kim LaCapria

    No, I am saying that if your friend runs a bar and donates $100K a year to Planned Parenthood, and you know his donation gets bigger if his profits do, would you be able to drink at his bar in good conscience? Knowing each beer you drank was a few more pennies in the abortion kitty? Think about it.

  26. Kim LaCapria

    Dewayne Guyton No, I am just saying that it's not my job to tell people how to live their lives. I'm not the sin police. This is a free country, God Bless America. If someone wants to legally sin, it's no one's job to boss them around.

  27. Amanda O'Rourke-Cole

    If he was giving money to a group that promotes a return to slavery, which is mentioned through out the bible, would this article be written in the same tone?

  28. Jack Taggert

    You should probably study the facts before commenting on issues you apparently know very little about. First of all no one has accused Chick Fil-A of discrimination against anyone including their customers and their employees. And secondly, I am a gay man and have never been treated with anything but respect and great service when eating at any Chick Fil-A.The founder of Chick Fil-A simply stated his opinion on gay marriage and he has every right to that opinion just as you have a right to yours. Chick Fil-A as a business has nothing to apologize for and Mr. Cathy should not have to apologize for having a different opinion on gay marriage than yours. Do you really feel that everyone should agree with everything you believe? I feel pretty certain that you voted for Obama in 2008 and at that time he felt the same way about gay marriage that Mr. Cathy feels. So do all of your friends believe exactly about everything as you do? And if they happen to have a different opinion or belief, do you feel that they owe you an apology? Who made you God?

  29. Leighanna Boekeloo

    No Todd! I, in no way agree with that either. Politicians have no right to harass a company and deny them permits on the basis of their personal beliefs!!! However, I have the right not to eat there if they have made those personal beliefs public and I do not agree with them! Or if I happen to think that their food is over hyped!

  30. Jack Taggert

    The only hate is coming from people like you who hate anyone for having a belief that you don't agree with. Not once has anyone on your side said anything about being discriminated against by anyone at Chick Fil-A. I am a gay man and have always received excellent service and the utmost respect from the employees of Chick Fil-A. The founder of Chick Fil-A has every right to his opinions just as all of the employees of Chick Fil-A have a right to theirs. I am sure Mr. Cathy does not require Chick Fil-A employees to express their opinion on gay marriage prior to being hired. The hate is expressed only by people like you who cannot tolerate anyone else having a different opinion from your own. Fortunately in this case your hate has only served to do the opposite from what you intended…and that is to bring more business and publicity to Chick Fil-A.

  31. Wm Gordon-Whit Whitlock

    Well you know they have already lost a lot over it. They don't. It's gonna snowball effect into a major thing. Meanwhile, I'm liking my Bakef chicken I get at the grocery anyways…

  32. Leighanna Boekeloo

    Mr. Taggert Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, however I do not have to support everyone's opinion. I however have a major bone to pick with them donating money to anti-gay groups. I have both family members and friends who are gay who have experienced direct hate from people think they are second class citizens. I do NOT hate ANYONE for having a differing opinion, but I do hate them for using that opinion to oppress or do harm against people I love. As a "gay man" or possible Chik-Fil-A affiliate, tell me…do you agree with conversion therapy or are you aware of they psychological damage those programs do? Do you agree with teaching gay people that they should hate themselves?? If you continue giving them your money, you might as well donate to the Marriage and Family Foundation first hand!

  33. Kim LaCapria

    Jack, he has every right to his opinion, and if he just wanted to deny gay people rights, even I would eat there. But CFA donated $2M to anti gay groups. THAT is the problem. When you give them $10, some pennies go to sending a gay kid to a camp to teach them to hate themselves. That, I can't get behind.

  34. Dawn Pontius

    It seems that the MEDIA are holding the CEO's PERSONAL VIEWS as corporate policy. Who can sort out what is what?

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  36. Ashley Govea

    I cannot believe how ignorant America has become. WHY no God's green earth are we so surprised that a company who CLOSES ON SUNDAYS for RELIGIOUS reasons, does not support gay marriage? I am baffled that this is even an issue. Have we lost so much of our common sense that we are surprised that Chic-Fil-A is against gay marriage? To support or not to support, doesn't matter to me. Doesn't change the taste of those yummy little chicken biscuits…

  37. Connie Vanover Barrett

    very true. i think the mayor didn't say they couldn't come to Boston but he urged them not to. People are entitled to their beliefs until it steps on equal human rights. I'm with you Kathie…

  38. Elisabeth Hagen Smith

    The issue is that some of the corporate profits are funneled to a foundation. This foundation has donated money to some really sickening groups who favor "reprogramming" gays; at least one group has called for executing gays. So it's not just his personal beliefs. Money we spend there finds its way to fund hate.

  39. Ashley Govea

    I'm having them for lunch today actually. this controversy has made me crave their food. It's been a while since I've had their sweet tea too…

  40. Mitzi Hammond Perkins

    Businesses are not people therefore they cannot have an opinion; owners of businesses may have an opinion however, but, when they choose to use that business to espouse personal opinions, they must live with the consequences just as anyone else must do..

  41. Mitzi Hammond Perkins

    When large corporations donate large sums of money to influence elections and potential customers do not agree with that influence, they have a right to spend their money elsewhere.

  42. Linda Cayhill

    Manijeh Ghobity, listen missy, Obama has nothing to do with One Nation Under God or In God We Trust being removed It is the people from other countries that are offended. It is people from other countries that can't speak englsh, so I, who is an Amercian, has to press one for english. Chick fil a has donated millions to anti gay campaigns, just as the million moms tried to boycott jc penney for hiring Ellen s their spokes person. Al of the anti Gay people sure do change there minds real fast when a member of their family comes out of the close. Before you judge, think of this What Would Jesus Do? I am a Christian and believe God is Love, and why hate what you don't know.

  43. Anonymous

    Now wait a minute. Don't want the government to be involved for a company's bigot views but do want the government involved in your bigot views to discriminate against a group of people from getting married. Stop cherry picking what you want and not want the government to do you hypocritical bigots. You don't like a company's view then don't eat there. You don't think gays should get married then don't marry one. Just shut up and pay attention to your own messed up life and not trying to screw with other people's life.

  44. Bill Owen

    The problem is that now, Corporations are people. And there is no disclosure on the amount of money they give and where it goes. So if we disagree, we may never know that the companies we buy from are sending their profits to organizations and campaigns we do not agree with. The supreme court needs to overturn 'Citizens United', or this country's politicians will continue to be "bought" instead of elected.

  45. Nancy Batson Lopez

    This whole thing is getting blown way out of proportion. Why is it okay for Pro-abortion and anti-gun folks, homosexuals and others to try to shove their agenda down my throat but not okay for me to do a little God speak? The world is officially flipping out. There are so many people that apparently are not secure enough in themselves to be able to bear ridicule. Could you imagine if a TV show like All in the Family or The Jeffersons was put on the air today? All hell would break loose. People used to be able to laugh at themselves, what happened? I've known Gays who are secure enough in themselves to look at controversy like this and laugh, and be able to say to each his own. We need to remember that no matter what the law says, a sin is a sin and no matter what, it will still keep you from attaining the kingdom of God. We must also remember that Jesus was crucified, not because he was guilty, but because the people demanded it. (Luke 23:22-24) which proves that the world does not always do the right thing. As long as Mr Cathy harbors no hatred towards sinners, he is fine in my book, for the bible says to love the person but hate the sin.

  46. Mark Losben

    Our government removed them (and I'm not referring to Obama).

  47. Mark Losben

    Really? Let an Atheist say something and he's immediately crucified….. by Christians usually. Ironic, isn't it.

  48. Daniel Francis

    Julie, I am not sure what you are so upset about. The CEO made the statement and he started the company. This issue is not whether you have a right to boycott them, you do, or if he has a right to have an opinion, he does. The outrage should come from you, rightfully and from any others who feel that Chick-Fil-A should not be patroned. The problem which has muddied your just cause is the elected officials stepped in and stole the cause to politicize the situation. They have essentially come out and said if you start a business and your opinion does not align with the government, they you better shut your mouth, get in line or you will be obliterated by government. Clearly, if you started a business, and had an opinion and the government did this to you, you would certainly be on fire over the government. So, this is not about you personally or the just cause you fight. People in this country have a right to say what they want and you need to tolerate that right while not supporting them but NEVER agree that the government should stand up for you over an opinion. If there are cases of discrimination in employment then yes, they have a place. I am sorry the government have eff'd up your cause because I am livid because I would not be going to Chick-Fil-A tomorrow to show support for the 1st Amendment if they government had not stepped in and opened their mouth.

  49. Judy Lindstrom-Perkins

    As I write this, I'm enjoying the best chicken strips ever (much better than the so-called #1 brand), waffle fries, & a cookies & cream milkshake! All from
    Chic Fil-A!
    I believe that we are given a right, by God, to make our own choices. If you want to live an alternative life-style, go right ahead. If you want to cheat on an exam, not my problem (it will catch up with you!), if you're an atheist, that's your choice. Just remember, your values aren't necessarily my values and it's my right to make my own choices as long as I'm not breaking the law or infringing on your choices.
    That being said, I strongly disagree with these politicians that are requesting that the public boycott Chic Fil-A because the owner chose to express his beliefs. (Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion) These politicians are wrong and it's just another way for government to take yet another right from us.
    The CEO has the right to hire whomever he wants and to say why he wants or doesn't want to hire certain people, just as it's his right to close his doors on Sundays.
    Some of you, family & friends, have chosen an alternative life-style, and I love each of you. This isn't about you, it's about the government overstepping its boundaries.
    Do these words sound familiar?
    – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

  50. Julie Cage Racster

    Daniel, I see what you're saying and I'll admit, I have some reservations about this. However, cities have a right and a responsibility to do what's in the best interest of their citizens. In the past this idea has manifested itself in the denial of business licenses for strip clubs next to schools and garbage dumps in neighborhoods. What about all the counties in the country that are "dry", where alcohol cannot be sold? Why can't alcohol and cars be sold on Sundays in Indiana? We already allow local governments to decide what they will tolerate and what they will not; why should that stop at this issue? Mr. Cathy's opinions are not at issue; the monetary support his company openly provides to hate groups, is. If a community decides this practice violates their guidelines for morality don't they have a right to keep them out? If not, why do we have business licenses at all? Thorny issue. They're still not getting my money. :)

  51. Ida Hendley

    I think you got it wrong…I see more of the Christian faith being crucified by the unbelievers than you say, it happens on both side, but what I see and what is in the news is not what you say. Not gonna argue so if you try to say anything else I won't bother with it. My God is all I am concerned with, not arguing.

  52. James Johnson

    I won't argue about choice (I 100% agree with that). But if Chick Fil A is the "best chicken strips" you have ever had in your life I am soooo very sorry :(

  53. Judy Lindstrom-Perkins

    Well, James, I guess I live a sheltered life! I thought they were pretty good :)

  54. James Schull

    Ok what I don"t understand is what's wrong with letting a person be with and marry the person they love does it matter that much if they are gay No. Its a bunch of hypocrites wanting thier way because they believe thier way is best! What's next saying a Jewish person can't love and marry a black person or some other none traditional relationship. Here's a new concept mind you'r own buissness leave people alone and and grow up. Its stupid you try and force your ways on someone because you do not agree with that persons life style. I know several people who are gay and they are some of the kindest people I know. And the areas they live in are better because of them. This country is hypocritical of its self anyway. you say,,,, All of you say we need to stop racism in this country………… Well? this is no different then hating someone because of race, creed or color! Oh wait they are gay I guess that makes them different…

  55. Carol Sillman

    Novel concept–read the Bible=IT says it's wrong–since long before our time

  56. Carol Sillman

    can love the person, but not the act, is my way of thinking

  57. Ray Del Angel

    Iam with you James,i myself cannot fill myself with hate because of a person choice to be with same sex! With so much wrong going on in the world,church scandals,molestations,rape so on and so on from the the same Man thats gonna sit up on his soap box for 2hours on sunday and tell its wrong to be gay yet is committing a crime behind closed door!last i heard you dont go to prison for being gay but you do for molesting lil boys and girls.what iam getting at is Your church pastor did not write the bible but he is preaching it and telln you its wrong yet sinning much worse himself,kinda like a cop giving you a ticket for texting and driving then u look over a block down the road and hes doing the same.My son or daughters end up gay i will love them no less! "is my way of thinking"

  58. Patricia Bigelow Starr

    After 31 yrs of marriage feel marriaige should be between a man and a women and chic A fil has every righrt to have their feelings on gay marriages this is AMERICA freedom of speech. I just wish we get one in Paw Paw Michigan.

  59. Bo Radley

    I don't care how/when you voice your hypocrisy…but I don't really want to watch you display your ignorance, nor will I support it with my $$.

    Matthew 6:

    5 ¶And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

  60. Christine Alpaugh

    Chic is a company whom I will no longer do business with. Having their thought processes on gay marriage in this time shows how backward they are.

  61. Carole Stewart Anhalt

    Actually, Julie, the US Supreme Court has decided that mobey donated to organizations by companies IS an example of free speech. I am an attorney, and I know that for a fact. It is considered symbolic speech, just like flag burning.