Jul 18, 2012
Print This Post
Chick-fil-A responded to growing criticism from gay rights groups over comments made by company president Dan Cathy that he opposed same-sex unions.
Following the statement posted on the Atlanta-based company’s Facebook page:
“Chick-fil-A is a family-owned and family-led company serving the communities in which it operates. From the day Truett Cathy started the company, he began applying biblically-based principles to managing his business. For example, we believe that closing on Sundays, operating debt-free and devoting a percentage of our profits back to our communities are what make us a stronger company and Chick-fil-A family.
“Our mission is simple: to serve great food, provide genuine hospitality and have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.
FOLLOWING IS OUR ORIGINAL STORY:
The president of Chick-fil-A said his company is “guilty as charged” when it comes to supporting traditional marriage and warned that gay marriage is “inviting God’s judgment on our nation.”
Dan Cathy, the president and chief operating officer, told Baptist Press that the company founded by his father was unapologetically in favor of traditional marriage.
FOLLOW TODD ON FACEBOOK FOR CULTURE WAR DISPATCHES! CLICK HERE!
“Guilty as charged,” he said. “We are very much supportive of the family – the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that.”
In a separate interview on the Ken Coleman Show — Cathy suggested that the nation could face God’s wrath over supporting gay marriage.
SARAH PALIN & MARK LEVIN SAY YOU NEED TO READ TODD’S NEW BOOK. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT WHY.
“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,’” Cathy said. “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.”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution said Cathy’s comments contradict a statement he made last year indicating the company was not getting involved in the political debate.
Chick-fil-A has 1,608 restaurants with sales of more than $4 billion – and a value system that is deeply rooted in the Bible.
“We don’t claim to be a Christian business,” he told Baptist Press. “But as an organization we can operate on biblical principles. sot hat is what we claim to be. [We are] based on biblical princples, asking God and pleading with God to give us wisdom on decisions we make about people and the programs and partnerships we have. And He has blessed us.”
But not everyone shares those values. Cathy’s comments brought condemnation from the Human Rights Campaign.
“Chick-fil-A is swimming against the tide on the issue of marriage equality,” spokesman Charles Joughin told Fox News. “American companies learned long ago that discrimination is bad for business and with a majority of Americans supporting marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples, they risk being further marginalized.”
Joughin also criticized the company’s charitable foundation for supporting Christian ministries that adhere to the traditional definition of marriage including the Family Research Council and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
“The fact they are publicly and proudly supporting groups with an anti-LGBT agenda shows just how out of touch they are with mainstream America,” he said.
Lorraine Devon Wilke opined about Chick-fil-A’s coming out opposed to gay marriage in a column titled, “Chicken With a Side of Bigotry: Chick-fil-A’s Ungodly Business Plan.”
“Mr. Cathy can believe as freely as the next person, I do not begrudge him that (regardless of my antipathy),” she wrote. “But as the president of a company that feeds the public – the big, unwieldy, melting pot public – his stance against gays and lesbians is not only distasteful, it is stupidly counterproductive to business (and what could be holier than the bottom line?)”
The Atlanta-based restaurant chain has also come under fire on college campuses. In February, Northeastern University cancelled plans to put an outlet on campus and a New York University student launched a petition drive to close their campus Chick-fil-A franchise – the only one in New York City.
FOX News Talk
'spokesman Charles Joughin told Fox News. “American companies learned long ago that discrimination is bad for business… '' How is Chic-fil-A discriminating? Do they refuse to sell chicken to gays? I don't see that mentioned in the story.
Remember, if you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything.
Good for Chick-Fil-a. If they had a franchise here, I would patronize thier establishment. Typical left delusion stating the majority supports gay marriage, when in fact, 32 states have banned it and an overwhelming majority nationwide are against it. CHICK-FIL-A, CHICK-FIL-A, CHICK-FIL-A!
If by overwhelming, you mean 50% at MOST, then sure. Great business practice, soon they can be remembered like Little Sambos. Who's delusional?
As a major fast food chain, to alienate customers is a no-no. Why can't we have business with out religion being shoved down the throat of the average American. We are suppose to love our neighbors and saying homosexuals are dooming America is a sin in itself. Judge not let yes be judged. Its not our duty to judge but God alone. I support homosexuals because I don't see any point in hating someone because their lifestyle is a "sin". Gluttony is a sin and yet we stuff ourselves with chicken nuggets and waffle fries.
It's America they can run their business how ever they want. Regardless of how smart or dumb their choices are. If you don't like it then don't eat there.
Gods followers are all correct. I back them all the way. Its easy to say no to Evil try it some time and stop being a Liberal jerk off.
I smacked evil down 2.5 years ago when I was asked to vote for obama. I said no way…
I smacked evil down 2.5 years ago when I was asked to vote for obama. I said no way…
My philosophy is live and let live. I really don't condone it, but let them get married and do what they want. It's really doesn't affect me.
But as an African American woman, I am tired of hearing gays equate their cause with the civil rights movement. There is just no comparison. How many gay men, women, and children have been lynched from trees? Denied the right to vote? Forced to live in segregated neighborhoods? Had to drink from "gays only" drinking fountains and use "gay only" bathrooms and waiting rooms? Sit in back of the bus while straights sat in the front? Also, it's been my experience that many white gay men and women can be just as racist as anyone else. Gay people of color often complain about the racism in the gay community. And in California, where the overwhelming majority of black people voted against gay marriage, white gays men were carrying around nooses in West Hollywood and referring to black people as "n*ggers,"something the media chose to ignore.
Many gays can "pass" for white. I'm black 24/7. Do what you want, but please don't equate your sin with my skin!
Good for Mr. Cathy. I have always tried to eat a chick-fil-a because of there biblical principles and I support Mr. Cathy in his stand. I also believe god will punish those that do not follow Gods work.
I also will be eating at Chik-fil-A even more! God Bless them for standing up for sound Christian Principals!
Lorraine Devon Wilke “But as the president of a company that feeds the public – the big, unwieldy, melting pot public – his stance against gays and lesbians is not only distasteful, it is stupidly counterproductive to business and what could be holier than the bottom line?”.
Principles Ms. Wilke, PRINCIPLES …..are “holier than the bottom line”.
I know that may not make sense to you sweetcakes, but some people stand on principles and I fully support Mr. Cathys decision to take a firm stand against an issue that the majority of Americans are firmly opposed to.
No they are not swimming against the tide; we have God on our side and He is all powerful. In the end 'all will bow down and worship him and confess his name'. And I WILL also be eating there more.
You guys are right, as a privately owned company they have the right to spend their money however they wish. However, they are splitting and polarizing their customers and I can't imagine that being a good thing ever, even if that makes you conservative christians out there want to eat there more. They will continue to be the target of boycotts and petitions and the negative press will continue to hurt them, and I don't mind one bit because whatever you want to call it, it's unfounded discrimination.
Drove by a Chik-fil-A here in southern CA around lunchtime today and the drive-thru was packed – at least 9 cars in line. The Wendy's next door had 2 cars in line. Enough said.
Hmmm..Though shalt not lie with another man as you do a woman for it is an abomination to God…………….sound familiar? Stating ones opinion to a crowd is not FORCING their opinion on anyone it is called free speech. ALSO they have stated they do not discriminate in their stores anyone can eat there. So he voiced his opinion in an interview and the GLBT community wants to boycott them for HIS OPINION not his actions because there is no discrimination in the stores………………
Richard Vasel – I love how Christians say it's "Free speech" when they want to be heard but if someone disagrees with you, oh boy. It's the end of the world and we're "inhibiting" your speech. It goes both ways – stating an opinion to Christians like you is not "forcing" our beliefs. Someone saying they support gay marriage or equality for homosexuals isn't forcing you to believe it or agree with it.
If the GLBT community wants to boycott Chick-fil-A that's their right. They don't have to eat there if they don't want to. What do you care?
its LGBT.
I've seen it referred as both…either way if they want to boycott CFA they can.
Plug in a few of the below to understand what so many of these areguments look like to your fellow citizens who don't share your religious beliefs.
I don’t hate _____ people, it’s just that my religion says they are immoral so they shouldn’t have the same rights as the rest of us.
-Canadian
-Jewish
-Asian
-Hawaiian
-Redheaded
If we didn't have a creator we wouldn't have any rights! Ever read the declaration of Independence?
Mark Holley – The Declaration of Independence is NOT a legal document. It's a HISTORICAL document. It was just a giant F U to the King of England. That's it. The Constitution is the basis of our government and the ONLY mention of the Lord it has is the date it was signed. That – is -it. If you read the Constitution it makes no mention of God. That was done on purpose because the Founders did not want one religion to be forced on the nation.
The opinions posted in this article against Chick-fil-A are ridiculous. As long as you agree with homosexuality it is OK to state your opinion but when you disagree then you open yourself up to ridicule. Regardless of what you believe, I cheer for those who have the courage to stand up and stand your ground knowing you will be ridiculed for it. That is what happened to Jesus. I salute Chick-fil-A and my family will gladly continue to do business with them and will hope others do so as well. I am also against homosexuality and agree completely with the opionions stated by the executives at Chick-fil-A!
I have never held a boycott against a company that supports gay marriage even though I am against it but I will be going to Chick-fil-a more often just because they are making such a stink. Why can't they understand they can't make everyone think like them especially with the harsh tactics.
Lorraine Devon Wilke whines……“But as the president of a company that feeds the public – the big, unwieldy, melting pot public – his stance against gays and lesbians is not only distasteful, it is stupidly counterproductive to business and what could be holier than the bottom line?”.
Principles Ms. Wilke, PRINCIPLES …..are “holier than the bottom line”.
I know that may not make sense to you sweetcakes, but some people stand on principles and I fully support Mr. Cathys decision to take a firm stand against an issue that the majority of Americans are firmly opposed to.
So happy to hear the President of Chick-Fil-A state what he believes and stand up for biblical values. I do not understand why we as Christians are not allowed to speak up for what we believe in but the liberals are encouraged to speak up. Very, very sad what our country is coming to. We will answer one day for our actions and we will suffer severe consequences for turning our backs on God as a nation.
I heard it today on the radio. We love Chick fil a
Praise God for people like Dan Cathy who are proud to stand up for the God of the Bible and the majority of Americans who do not favor same-sex marriage. The ones out of touch are those who don't know the Bible and what it means for all of us.
It is not "mainstream America" – it's an extremely vocal minority who is force-feeding their agenda down the throats of everyone else. If only we were actually allowed to practice our own religion and believe our own thoughts, and weren't forced to believe what the vocal minority wants us to believe. Why can't he believe what he wants to believe and support what he wants to support? If he doesn't support YOU, then he's wrong? Maybe you are wrong? Maybe we're all wrong? Get over it. I am glad he shared his opinion and view point, he knew full well going into that there would be tremendous backlash and he is still willing to stand up for his view point – good job! More people need to do so.
Laughin' Laura – Give an example of how you are not allowed, in the U.S., to practice your religion and believe your own thoughts. How are you forced to believe what others believe?
Not many people are saying he's wrong – they're saying the people posting on here are wrong with some of their comments. I don't think there was a "tremendous" backlash. I hadn't even heard about it until I saw it on FoxNews.
We simply will not be eating at this bigot infested POS: BOYCOTT CHICK-FIL-A.
DONE!!!
DONE!!!
I will make it a point to eat there more often in support of Mr. Cathy! God BLESS you Brother!
And, for those who are quick to retort "Judge Not Less Be Judged", in an endeavor to silent the Christian voice, consider reading the following carefully: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewarticle.asp?id=36392.
I'm going to eat there more than I do now
Good for them taking a stance!
Does every single thing in this country (even a chicken sandwich) have to revolve around sexual politics? With the economy continuing to tank, unemployment rising, poverty increasing….this seems a little silly. It's a private company. If you disagree with their policy….don't frequent the establishment and quit whining.
I have great respect for a CEO who publicly stands up for his beliefs. It seems only the liberals, and fruits and nuts can have a public opinion. If a conservative, or Christian has an opinion it is deemed backward or politically incorrect. I support Mr. Cathy in his statements. I hope that sales go through the roof.
On my way to get a peach milkshake. Talk about WIN-WIN.
Lorraine Devon Wilke whines “But as the president of a company that feeds the public – the big, unwieldy, melting pot public – his stance against gays and lesbians is not only distasteful, it is stupidly counterproductive to business and what could be holier than the bottom line?”.
Principles Ms. Wilke, PRINCIPLES …..are “holier than the bottom line”.
I know that may not make sense to you sweetcakes, but some people stand on principles and I fully support Mr. Cathys decision to take a firm stand against an issue that the majority of Americans are firmly opposed to.
sweetcakes?
Chick-fil-A stay strong in your beliefs it will inspire me to eat there more often.
God bless Don Cathy for his bravery in speaking the truth and caring more about what Almighty God thinks, than what our godless society thinks!
This is embarrassing. Take it down
Good for Chick-fil-a and Dan Cathy! I will be sure to eat at Chick-fil-a more often!
Great restaurant, great people, great company. Closed Sundays, free car shows on Fridays, debt-free, customer focused and immense focus on serving everyone fairly. No problem with their position.
As for the charge that they are somehow swimming against the tide, Charles Joughin would be wise to remember that there are 1.4 billion Christians in the world. Swim against that tide, buddy.
EAT MOR KRYSTIANS.
I've been waiting for businesses to come out against gay marriage. Its their right to believe what they want. The so called gay community can go soewhere else, as for me I'm heading for a #1 at chick filet.
And here I thought they just wanted more money!!! I will spend more there with a huge smile on my face and my heart!! I su[[ort Chick-fil-A !!!
I'm going to make sure everyone in our family, and friends, make it a point to support this man and his fine company.
It's Chick- Fil-A for us this Saturday night.
Kudos! We need more back-bone strong organizations like Chick-fil-A and the Boy Scouts of America to stand up to the zealots in the homosexual movement!
Just please dear God put ketchup on my sandwich when I order it. If McDonalds can make a burger minus the onion sure as hell you can put ketchup on when I ask. My guess is Mickey D's sell a few more burgers than you sell chicken sandwiches. BTW get off the gay deal.Really?
Either we stand up for the CREATOR of HEAVEN AND EARTH and EVERY INDIVIDUAL IN IT and THE WORD OF GOD AS WRITTEN IN THE BIBLE or we will fall and suffer.
for eternity! Thank you Mr. Cathy for your stand and keep on swimming! I've read the back of THE BOOK and we win! Also, please consider opening a Chick-Fil-A in our great city of Kalispell, MT. May GOD richly bless you.
and what of those who can't read?
My new favorite restaurant! I applaud Chik-fil-a. Since when did standing up for Biblical principles become wrong? If you don't like it DON'T EAT THERE!
Did liberal Lorraine Devon Wilke just tell a businessman to embrace her values and sacrifice his own… all for the sake of the greed? Hate to break it to you, Ms. Wilke, but not everyone worships at the altar of the almighty bottom line!
Did liberal Lorraine Devon Wilke just tell a businessman to embrace her values and sacrifice his own… all for the sake of the greed? Hate to break it to you, Ms. Wilke, but not everyone worships at the altar of the almighty bottom line!
I am getting rather tired of everyone from both sides who thinks it is so important to keep reminding me of what they do in their bedroom, and what they think I should or should not do in MY bedroom. I sincerely don't care what anyone thinks… that's their own dang business. Someone else's sex life is the LAST thing I'm thinking about, when I go to get fast food. Buy the chicken if you like the chicken, don't if you don't. If you want to spend your time thinking that it is important what someone else thinks about homosexuality… I think you are wasting your time on something you can't change. If you think you can punish Chick-fil-A by not going there, and maybe somehow that will change the views of the founder- have at it, but I think there are more important concerns in this life.
I think we need to worry about getting the government under control, get them back to a limited role. We need to worry about matching the business friendliness of places like Hong Kong, where businesses have flooded in, bringing them from Third World to First World in a few decades, while we in the United States are heading the other way, FAST. Businesses flock overseas, and our economy is a giant imaginary bubble that will only shrink, until we come to terms with reality. But maybe I'm the only one who cares about that kind of thing. Certainly our elected officials don't.
So much of what people focus on is crap that they cannot change… and why would they want to control what someone else does with their own individual life, anyway? If you are concerned about the afterlife, pray and get your own life straight, and read the good book. If not, go on about whatever you think is right… but everyone, let's get to work on the things that will help us all while we are here.
Gay marriage will be beside the point, if gay couples and straight couples are starving because our economy has plunged through the floor. Fighting over this kind of side issue is equivalent to arguing about the color of the life boats while water floods into the bilge. Yeah, I'm sure it's important to those who make it their lifeblood, but again, the ship IS sinking, and rather than worry about that, we should argue over gay marriage? REALLY?
I am getting rather tired of everyone from both sides who thinks it is so important to keep reminding me of what they do in their bedroom, and what they think I should or should not do in MY bedroom. I sincerely don't care what anyone thinks… that's their own dang business. Someone else's sex life is the LAST thing I'm thinking about, when I go to get fast food. Buy the chicken if you like the chicken, don't if you don't. If you want to spend your time thinking that it is important what someone else thinks about homosexuality… I think you are wasting your time on something you can't change. If you think you can punish Chick-fil-A by not going there, and maybe somehow that will change the views of the founder- have at it, but I think there are more important concerns in this life.
I think we need to worry about getting the government under control, get them back to a limited role. We need to worry about matching the business friendliness of places like Hong Kong, where businesses have flooded in, bringing them from Third World to First World in a few decades, while we in the United States are heading the other way, FAST. Businesses flock overseas, and our economy is a giant imaginary bubble that will only shrink, until we come to terms with reality. But maybe I'm the only one who cares about that kind of thing. Certainly our elected officials don't.
So much of what people focus on is crap that they cannot change… and why would they want to control what someone else does with their own individual life, anyway? If you are concerned about the afterlife, pray and get your own life straight, and read the good book. If not, go on about whatever you think is right… but everyone, let's get to work on the things that will help us all while we are here.
Gay marriage will be beside the point, if gay couples and straight couples are starving because our economy has plunged through the floor. Fighting over this kind of side issue is equivalent to arguing about the color of the life boats while water floods into the bilge. Yeah, I'm sure it's important to those who make it their lifeblood, but again, the ship IS sinking, and rather than worry about that, we should argue over gay marriage? REALLY?
I would like thank the president for standing up for the truth. Thank you very much and I will still eat there anytime. Rod Swails Andrews S.C.
I would like thank the president for standing up for the truth. Thank you very much and I will still eat there anytime. Rod Swails Andrews S.C.
There was a nasty, greasy little elision by the so-called Human Rights Campaign. "Marriage rights" are most certainly NOT the same thing as legal marriage equality and as every election and poll on the issue has revealed the population is NOT in favor of gay marriage if that means identical admission to that institution. What is favored is civil unions + gay marriage + lesser forms of legal recognition, and that by a thin majority.
EAT MOR CHIKIN
Eat mor chikin! Haha Lol. Never really cared for the place, but, headed there now with the bride & family to spend a c-note. God is Good, All the time!
Thank you for standing for Biblical principles! Christians get beat up for standing for what's right, and get called extremists or other names. We have our rights too! This is a private company so they should have rights as well. Good for you!
Tina Woodbury – Some Christians are extremists. Every religion has their extremists. No one cares what this guy does with his company. If he started to actually turn away homosexuals or any of his chains did, that's different.
It's interesting to me that people are so concerned with calling out the christians out for judging. I think everyone is entitled to their own opinion. No one is forcing any belief on you. A person who owns a business is standing up for what he believes in. Just like those of you who have chosen an alternative life style would stand up for gay marriage. He earned that right when he built a successful fast food restaurant. Take the entire bible for what it says instead of reading just the parts that you want to use against Christians. If you can quote about not judging then I am sure you are educated enough to read 1 Cor 6:9-10.
Except, Stampede, that some (key word SOME) Christians DO force their beliefs on the "non-believers" – whether religious or not. Everyone IS entitled to an opinion but it seems anytime anyone disagrees with a Christian they are automatically 1. a homosexual 2. a heathen and 3. a hypocrite. No one seems to care about the guy's views on marriage. I just get tired of some of the ignorant comments on the threads.
Kelly Calder I am sorry that any Christian has left you with that feeling. That is not how a Christian should lead their life. I think that so often people get caught up in what the Bible says and don;t understand that the way that you present what you know is important too. People are quick with the tongue and in no instance is telling someone they are living in a way that is unpleasing to God the best way to try and convince them otherwise. I have a friend that I recently found out was gay. I still love her I just hate the lifestyle that she has chosen. It doesn't mean I will go to her and tell that she is going to hell. It does mean that I will love her and be here for her but just not support the lifestyle she has chosen. I truthfully rarely see much in the media about Christians stating their believes. The reason for that I think though is that when they do it gets such ridiculous media attention because it is different according the guy that wrote this article, than the rest of America. To each their own I guess. I see value in your points but I think you need to know that outside there are Christian people who do not act in the way you have described. Its unfortunate though that your experience is different with them.
Way to go Chick-fil-a , so proud of them and their beliefs as to what the Bible teaches! They will get my business every chance!
Marie, the bible also teaches that any person who shaves or any man that cuts the hair around their temples is to be stoned to death!
You best get busy, he's watching you!