Last week, Chick fil A’s president and COO, Dan Cathy defended the Biblical interpretation of what constitutes a family by speaking out against gay marriage. On the subject ,Cathy stated the following about same sex marriage vs. the traditional family –
“I think we’re inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at Him and say that we know better than You as to what constitutes a marriage.” (ABC News)
During another interview on the topic of same sex marriage, Cathy said –
"I pray God's mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude to think that we have the audacity to define what marriage is about," (Huffington Post – Gay Voices)
Amidst a flood storm of reactions, both Cathy and the popular food chain have come under fire because of his stance.
Tonight, ABC News reported that Jim Henson’s Muppets company has broken off their partnership with Chick fil A in bringing Muppet toys to kids’ meals, because of Cathy’s comments.
In another bold attack against the fast food restaurant, Chicago officials made it clear that they did not want Chick fil A opening a new store that was slated for construction, in their “fair” city. Chicago mayor Rahm Emmanuel (a former member of President Obama’s cabinet) stated that –
"Chick fil A’s values are not Chicago values. They’re not respectful of our residents, our neighbors, and our family members.” (ABC News)
Chick fil A, whose headquarters is in Atlanta, currently has more than 1600 stores nationwide.
Chick fil A released a statement to ABC News saying that it treats “Every person with honor, dignity, and respect - regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation, or gender.”
Cathy and his company are determined to fight back – they countered the Henson company’s claim that it cut ties with Chick fil A because of Cathy’s views.
The restaurant chain said that it was Chick fil A that cut off the partnership first because of safety concerns with the Muppet toys.
But it is not at all surprising that while many are harshly criticizing the fast food chain, others are coming to the company’s defense.
Former Presidential hopefuls Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum have come out in support of Cathy and his restaurant. Santorum tweeted this –
“With two of my boys, enjoying chick-in-strips and an awesome peach shake at Chick fil A.” (ABC News)
The ABC News report stated that Huckabee, Santorum, and some conservative organizations are asking that we support Chick fil A by eating at one of the restaurant’s locations.
My wife (who absolutely loves the restaurant ) and I have made a firm commitment to support Chick fil A on August 1st – I hope we’ll see many of you there.
Other links
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alvin-mcewen/mike-huckabee-is-not-nece_b_1699742.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/20/-gay-marriage-chick-fil-a_n_1687743.html
http://www.wbez.org/chick-fil-controversy-comes-chicago-101154
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