 Chefs with Issues is a platform for chefs and farmers we love, fired up for causes about which they're passionate. Virginia Willis, a graduate of L'Academie de Cuisine and Ecole de Cuisine LaVarenne, is the author of "Bon Appétit, Y’all" and "Basic to Brilliant, Y'all." As a chef and food writer, I rarely eat fast food. The quality is generally atrocious and much of it is radically unhealthy. The menu offerings are the polar opposite of local and seasonal. There are dire implications concerning worker’s rights and wages, as well as animal welfare and factory farms. It doesn’t matter where you are in the country, every interstate exit is identical with the same usual suspects offering the same sad sacks of chemically laced, artificially flavored fare, all swimming in high-fructose corn syrup. Cheap, fast food is at the core of what is wrong with our food system. Yet, there’s one thing that trumps my French-training and chef sensibilities; I love Chick-fil-A. My favorite sandwich is the classic fried chicken sandwich on the buttered bun. The steam from the slightly sweet, golden brown chicken condenses inside the foil-lined package and wilts the bread, just enough. I prefer plain, no lettuce, no tomato, just mayonnaise, and the perfect pop of sour pickle. I’ve always known that founder Truett Cathy was a religiously conservative Christian. I applaud the fact that he’s closed on Sundays and strong in his faith. The outlets are part of the local community, supporting the schools and sports teams. I admire the work of Chick-fil-A’s WinShape Foundation in regards to foster homes, scholarships and education, food donations for disaster relief, first responders and the military. Service, volunteering and giving back are at the heart of Chick-fil-A, qualities I aspire to, advocate and admire. I, too, am a Christian. I am also a lesbian. And while many religious conservatives think I am going to burn in hell and my existence is a crime against nature, I refuse to believe that God doesn’t love me because I am gay. I refuse to believe that God made a mistake. I refuse to believe that something is wrong with me and I need “conversion therapy.” I refuse to call those anti-same sex marriage groups "pro-family" because that doesn’t include my very real family, my love and my commitment to my partner. I also absolutely refuse to believe that if I choose to marry another woman that I am somehow harming the institution of marriage. Controversy erupted last summer with Chick-fil-A president and chief operating officer Dan Cathy's remarks about being against gay marriage, “guilty as charged.” It led to Mike Huckabee’s crusade, Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day and the subsequent boycott of Chick-fil-A by gay, lesbian and like-minded individuals, myself included. The Chick-fil-A website states that the corporate giving has been “mischaracterized.” Well, there’s nothing “mischaracterizing” about their – now former – funding of the ultra-conservative groups such as Family Research Council, Eagle Forum and Exodus International, all aggressively anti-homosexual. Just this week, gay rights organization Campus Pride issued a statement claiming that Chick-fil-A gave the organization's executive director, Shane Windmeyer, access to recent Chick-fil-A tax documents. After reviewing the company's 2011 and 2012 financials – which have not been released publicly – Windmeyer said Chick-fil-A no longer gives funds to “the most divisive anti-LGBT groups.” For a long time, I cast a blind eye towards Chick-fil-A's corporate giving and, through my patronage, contributed to the very religious conservative groups that abhor my existence. Ah, the power of a chicken sandwich. But, when it all came to a head last summer, I could no longer ignore it. I quit supporting Chick-fil-A and said farewell to my favorite beverage, the perfect thirst-quenching combination of a half-and-half tea. The truth is that Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day was not about freedom of speech. It was simply a thinly veiled protest against homosexuals, period. Those swarms of conservatives weren’t lining up around the block getting waffle fries and chicken sandwiches to protest such lofty ideals as upholding the constitution and protecting the First Amendment. I believe they were showing that they are united against same-sex marriage and against gays, in general. So, earlier this week I drew a shallow breath of relief when the news surfaced that Chick-fil-A wasn’t as aggressively homophobic and had quit funding the groups. The company website states, “Our intent is not to support political or social agendas.” The recent news may have influenced me subconsciously stopping and picking up a half-and-half tea just this very morning, the first I’ve had since summer. I enjoyed it thoroughly, but going forward, I’m honestly not certain what I will do - if I will continue my renewed patronage of Chick-fil-A or not. Truthfully, I now have a bit of a bitter taste in my mouth and sadly, my once perfect half-and half tea just doesn’t taste as sweet. Previously - Opinion: Why I’m celebrating Chick-fil-Gay Appreciation Day and Fast food with a side of faith and Chicken and politics |
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I disagree with the statement that the people who went to support Chick-Fil-A were homophobes. I would have gone myself if I had the time and a location nearest me. I would have gone to defy the folks that feel they have a right to block the business of a place based on the founders belief. He's allowed his views, just like you. Don't like? Don't go. A lot of people showed up to counter the protest against them. I found the protest against them to be a form a bullying to get what you want.
Ahhh, the lies of the post Judeo-Christian crowd. Nobody said that G-d hates the writer. But most people with a moral compass that comes from the Bible believe that heterosexual behavior is moral and homosexual behavior is not. That doesn't mean that each individual is not loved by G-d. But it does mean that choosing to engage in homosexual behavior (actually only man-on-man is called an abomination) is wrong. Society benefits over the long run when the traditional family is promoted. Equalizing homosexuality and heterosexuality is an attack on the traditional family which has long term negative consequences for society. Social policy cannot be made based on feelings or based on individual cases.
Social policy should be based on civil liberties such as equality and justice and not on antiquated institutions which need to change as society changes.
And that's why people are rejecting a "moral compass" that comes from the Bible. That compass seems to be broken!
"Hate the sin, love the sinner"
Such BS.
To the author Virginia Willis, thanks for perpetuating a ridiculous and nonsensical story. Anyone who knows anything about Chic-fil-a knew that when asked about gay marriage knew what the response would be. Their viewpoint should not have been news. Your beef should be with our government who outright denies same sex marriage. The Cathy's do not set forth government policy. They've just become a target for your angst. It's unpopular these days to share one's opinion if that opinion is not the popular one of the moment or decade. I for one fully support LGBT rights but again I don't make policy. Gay people are hurting their own cause by not tolerating the opinions of others. We are supposed to have a secular government so why do we have marriage defined as between a man and a woman. If it comes to a vote I will suport the LGBT community but you all need to stop perpetuating the hate that you yourselves have had to deal with so often.
You are missing the point. The author clearly stated that she always understood that a conservative Christian mindset helped to drive this company. The issue has never been about what Dan Cathey's beliefs are as much as it's been about their corporate donations to groups that actively fight against gay marriage and finance programs aimed at rehabilitating homosexuals to heterosexuals. There's a big difference between a CEO's controversial beliefs, and a company taking the public's money and putting that money toward causes they seek to harm some of those very people. It makes logical sense to not give Chik-fil-A money in that case.
The Cathys set up a "charity" to fund fundamentalist Christian agitators who have SUCCESSFULLY instigated genocide against gay people overseas. They have effectively exported religious terrorism. I don't see how this is a "speech" issue, nor do I see how this is irrelevant.
If you hand the Cathys a dollar, they will turn around and use that dollar to pay for a plane ticket. That plane ticket will be given to a fundamentalist religious bigot so that they can go to Uganda and tell the government there to kill people.
Therefore, if you DO NOT CARE what Chik-Fil-A does with the money you give them, you might be a terrible person. You might have a moral blind spot, or simply be in favor of ALL THE MURDER.
What is it about that chain of logic is DIFFICULT for all of you to understand?
Let us send all our gays to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a nice vacation. That will solve our gay problem.
John: The straights will stil give birth to them.
Wow John32. Do you think you have enough hate in you?
How about we send all our bigots to Iran so they can be around like-minded people, and it would increase the collective IQ of our nation.
Please, please lets put them together and ship'm out anywhere. Lets start donations for the freight...
The writer of this article should be the first to recognize that a drop in revenue is likely the impetus behind the reported change of heart of the owners. Rarely, if ever do religious haters change their minds. especially one such as these that are so obviously anti gay. Not only should she continue to boycott them, she should influence as many others as possible to do the same.
I visited one of their stores about five times and each time was about the same. The chicken was not good and the sandwich had one pickle slice. I will not go back.
Can Gays eat at Chic Fila?
Yes, they can.
Management, however, requests they only come in during Deer season,
and that they wear a brown jacket, and a hat with antlers...
Managers of Gay Bars welcome evangelicals and request they dress like Mr and Mrs Buttface from Southpark
Yes will love the hunting although the meat will not be good for anything ...
It is interesting to note the correlations between education, income and religion. The poorest, least educated states tend to be the most religious. In stark contrast, the wealthiest and most educated states tend to be the least sanctimonious. Although this is common knowledge for most, here are some links:
(Article citing statistics from U.S. Census Bureau ) http://money.cnn.com/2010/09/16/news/economy/Americas_wealthiest_states/index.htm
http://www.pewforum.org/how-religious-is-your-state-.aspx
http://www.good.is/posts/educational-performance-where-does-your-state-rank/
Heh. We're not saying that religion destroys brain cells and earning power, per se. It's just that everywhere religion is strong, education and economy are weak.. You guys do the math...
What math? You don't use math on sweeping generalizations. Believe what you want, but don't pretend it's based on fact. Bias and fact never go together!
Misuse of statistics is a common technique used by bigots to justify their prejudice.
unfortunately, the "Wealthiest state" rankings from CNN are severely flawed. They failed to normalize to the CLI (cost of living index) Essentially they are only true if you believe a 1600 sq. ft. home in rural Arkansas costs the same as a 1600 sq. ft home in Hollywood. But nice try.
Also, the CNN education rankings are not based on anything real. They are based on "degrees per capita" They too are flawed since a degree in "general Studies" has the same weight as a degree in nuclear physics.
Misuse of statistics? Wrong. Yes, you are right about your COL statement, but, in general, the concentration of wealth in New England is statistically significant. Also, explain why educated states tend to be the least religious and least predjudice. Come on, don't cry out misuse of information...it's common knowledge. Good colleges? New England. Money? New England. Equality? New England. The South is the polar opposite, with the highest poverty, descrimination and illiteracy rates in the country. I've lived in many states all across the country and I have seen this first hand, but you don't have to be a well-traveled individual to know this.
I didn't know why Chick-fil-a never appealed to me. always thought the chicken was lousy. now i know why. it's seasoned with bigotry. if you want good chicken, go to Bojangles!
The fact is, God doesn't like the sexual imorol. So when someone say's, I am gay and I am a Christian, well they lie, they are like the Devil, keeping the truth from everyone. You can't worship/practice Gay and God at the same time. Those whom be Gay pastor's are the one's God speaks in the last day "They'll be false preachers and false law maker's. In other words, Jesus or God didn't say anywhere in the Bible, yeh, "It's ok to be Gay and tell everyone in the Church that being Gay is Good. God hates anyone having sex with the same sex. Jesus died once and for all, not everyday, for a gay person to lead a church and claim to be a Christian.
Wow, Willy, you make a strong argument. For a frontal lobotomy
William, I don't know about your God, but my God doesn't hate anyone, and he is also a forgiving God.
That is funny, MY BIBLE says that no one sin is greater than the other. It also says to judge NOT.
William , You have a classic "God Complex"! You seem to think that YOU alone know EXACTLY what "God" wants and who "God" Hates! The one thing that I clearly remember from my biblical reading is that "God" REALLY hates bigots!
How does it feel to be on the WRONG side of history?...
Keep the perverts away from the place.
Ok Ug, we will do our best to keep YOU away from there. Idiot.
To answer the question...Yes...or No...it doesn't matter...see America is a free country. You can eat there or not. If you don't like their policies then don't eat there. IF you like their food, then eat there. See in America, you don't have to get the approval of the gay community...even if you are gay....SHOCKING HUH.
It IS pretty funny that the term "religious nut" is used as an insult by dudes who will lick a man's nut off the bathroom floor.
Yeah if you think like that then of course people are going to call you a nut. I'm not gay you dumb extremist.
just a simple observation. doesn't make me an extremist. but you have to admit that these fa. gs are getting freakier than the greeks when sparta was tapping cheeks.
Just a simple observation. The only f*g I see on here is you. Time for ya to get a clue. Let people live their life and not yours.
You are a blasphemer!
"It was simply a thinly veiled protest against homosexuals, period."
Wrong. It was a response to the protests from gays.
The problem here is that people are just way too emotional about food. Tell someone you're vegan or something and see the instant negative reaction you get from about half of people who demand to know why you don't eat like they do.
If a restaurant chain is using its influence to promote a hateful agenda, who cares how much you enjoy the food? Who cares what kind of emotional attachment you think you have to the taste? I wouldn't eat at a Nazi ice cream parlor, no matter how good the chocolate ice cream is. This whole debate is just ridiculous. NEVER eat there again. Period.
And it is just as ridiculous to avoid a place that you like because you disagree with how they choose to spend the money you give them....
I agree with JeremyH6. I also admire Dan Cathy for sticking to his beliefs and not cowering in the face of adversity like too many people are doing these days.
No, it's not. The whole point of capitalism is that a free transaction benefits both sides. It's not ridiculous to question whether you want to do something that benefits bigots.
It is interesting to note the correlations between education, income and religion. The poorest, least educated states tend to be the most religious. In stark contrast, the wealthiest and most educated states tend to be the least sanctimonious. Although this is common knowledge for most, here are some links:
(Article citing statistics from U.S. Census Bureau ) http://money.cnn.com/2010/09/16/news/economy/Americas_wealthiest_states/index.htm
http://www.pewforum.org/how-religious-is-your-state-.aspx
http://www.good.is/posts/educational-performance-where-does-your-state-rank/
Hey, anti-gays, when are you going to start protesting in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles...
Isn't it amazing that Chick-fil-A is once again being vilified for their founding beliefs? What has Chick-fil-A done to deserve this? Nothing. But, the gay activists have no issue to push at the moment. So, they trot out an issue that was supposed to have been settled months ago. I, for one, would like the activists to avoid patronizing Chick-fil-A and every other business that I patronize. I get tired of people being wrong simply because they disagree with your prejudices. And, make no mistake, it is not Chick-fil-A that shows their bigotry every time this story resurfaces. But, they are the ones getting their name dragged through the mud.
Dan Cathy gave millions in corporate funds to anti-gay groups which in turn misused those funds to cook up and throw anti-gay Hate Votes. Dan Cathy poisoned our political process. Is that OK with you, as long as you get to hurt LGBT Americans?
And just how many times are anti-gays going to whine that their intended victims are "the real bullies"?
What has Chick Fil A done to deserve criticism? They have founded a business, a commercial enterprise, based on religious values, and they expect all their employees and customers to adhere to it. Otherwise, ship out, buddy. We deserve the right to refuse service to anyone. And denigrate them in the process.
Anyone who has followed this controversy knows that the issue is what they do with the money - fund groups which fight the cause of gay marriage. That doesn't just impact their institution and the people working in it, it tries to legislate against a third party that didn't opt-in to their rules. No one cares about his beliefs.
Jay, you're distorting the facts. Few people are perturbed about ChickFilA's founder's beliefs - and those that are really are bigots. People are upset that they use their influence to demean other people and help maintain their second-class-citizen status.
Hey Gay People,
When are you going to start protesting in Saudi Arabia?
Do you really think reminding readers that anti-gays want the same thing to happen to LGBT Americans that Muslim extremists want will sell homophobia to the majority of Americans who already support marriage equality? I don't. Thanks for reminding readers how shameful and immoral anti-gays are.
Hey Christian extremists. When are you going to understand Separation of Church and State.
I beg to differ with the writer of this article. the exact reason I waited in line and bought Chick-fil-A on the protest day was because had NOTHING to do with being anti-gay and EVERYTHING to do with that company's right to exist whether they thing being gay is a choice or not. I have gay friends, know and respect 2 transgendered people who have made the decision to go through with sex change, but I don't think your hatered is any better than anyone else's and I have NEVER heard any employee or leader be rude when expressing their beliefs. I HACE heard many gays freak out on anyone who disagrees with them. Christians who feel compelled to judge are often called to task by other Christians and reminded not to judge. I'm waiting for gays to do the same. Hooray for Jim Nabors for both his conduct and his attitude. Anyone who didn't now he os gay has been living under a very huge rock, but he just lives his life and treats everyone with respect, just as we ALL should do. Just as those who work for and run, Chick-fil=A do.
Marky,
How exactly, is Chik Fil a showing ANY respect whatsoever for gays??? I really don't comprehend your post!!!
They have the right run their business as bigoted as they want. But I will never give them a single dime even though I am NOT gay! Their public statements denigrading Gays is quite dispicable!
Hey, Left wing Loon. When are you going to realize that Chik-fil-A is not a government agency?
Hey crazy right wing nut when are you going to understand freedom of assembly?
Just goes to show you can write an article about anything and get published. Is his book next ?
just goes to show, you can post a snarky reply, even if you didn't read / understand the article. Men, even Gay ones, are not Lesbians. I don't know if she will write a book, I do know you wouldn't be able to read it if she did.
As nasty as Dan Cathy's anti-gay opinions are, this isn't about his opinions. Dan Cathy donated millions in corporate funds to anti-gay groups which, with his knowledge, misused those funds to cook up and then throw anti-gay Hate Votes. Fortunately, if we're all lucky, the US Supreme Court will revoke all those Hate Votes this summer, since they all clearly violate the US Constitution.
Get real, that guy has been playing very poorly. This is just one more time someone WHINES that "Christians are being attacked" that we can all see is a lie.
The NFL will have this situation on its hands if it blacklists Tim Tebow out of the league for being our first, genuine, outspoken Christian role model Qb in decades. No Tebow = way less Christian $$$$$$$$$$.
@ crappygovernment: Your statement is absurd. If Tim Tebow was a great quarterback, no one in the NFL would care if he was Christian, Muslim, Jewish or purple with red polka dots. While he seems to be a very nice young man, he is not a good quarterback.
Jay Fiedler and Sage Rosenfels would never have been treated this way, comrade jennifer R! Acts 14:1-2 mentions Tebowphobia 2000 years ago!
What does Tebow have anything to do with this? You don't have to eat there! You need to read the Bible! It might scare the hell out of you!
I really wish all this gay hoopla would cease. Gay or straight, we ALL have A LOT more to fear right now with what's taking place in our country, our govt. and our world.
The shadow domination of the bilderberg has and is usurping more and more influence and if everyone doesn't wake up REAL soon and unite, we're all cooked, again, gay or straight. It does'nt matter.
Then you need to direct that to the anti-gays who are making all the trouble. Just when did LGBT Americans cook up a Hate Vote to deprive anti-gays of the right to legal marriage? Anti-gays have been the trouble-makers on this matter since Anita Bryant. We know a majority of Americans support marriage equality. It's time for anti-gays to STOP trying to SUBVERT the US Constitution and start acting like Americans.
A cream pie is a cream pie...whether youre gay or straight. Enjoy!
Cant we all just love each other and stop the hate. I think thats what Jesus would do!
Why do 'gays' insist on telling everyone what they do with their genitals? Usually, it's for 'shock' value, but it has no bearing on anything, unless you're in a bar on Saturday night, and need to clarify what sort of mate you're hunting for. Homosexuals who tell people that they are gay is the exact same as heterosexuals telling people what they prefer – I'm kind of into breasts, but that's not my idnetity, and I've never intorduced myself that way – especailly to a potential mate!
Please stop being so self-involved – if you didn't get the 'right' sort of attention in your adolescence, take it up with your parents, and stop trying to shock the rest of us – it's juvenile.
You've introduced and defined yourself here as being breast-obsessed. Why did you feel the need to share that with us? I've had gay friends all my life, and the only time they've ever talked about what they did with their genitals is when a prying, overly-curious straight person brings it up.
Standing behind religion in order to justify bigotry is abhorrent. Being gay is biological. Any intolerance of ANY kind is bigotry,BIGOTRY! And the people who feel this way must be called out for what they are!
Being gay is nothing more than sin, not biologic! The wages of sin is death according to a loving God who wants all sinners including you and I to repent of our sins and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Jim, I pray you will receive this free gift today and turn from your sinful ways.
No use repeating that anti-gay lie, nc. Sexual orientation, whether gay or non-gay, has been shown by science to be inborn and unchangeable, and psychologists have shown being gay or lesbian is just as healthy and "normal" as being non-gay. However, psychologists identified homophobia as a mental illness and published their results in the Journal of the National Institutes of Health in 1953. Psychologists report that the most commonly observed symptom of the mental disorder homophobia is an inability of those so afflicted to accept documentation that contradicts their deep-seated phobia and hatred of LGBT Americans.
So everyone that has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior is no longer a sinner? Thats it? But if a gay woman accepts Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, it does not count because she is gay?
Yet if you covet thy neighbor, or commit adultery (even in your mind), or do not love another, or you are obese from over eating, or have a tattoo on your body, or have sex before marriage, among MANY other sins discussed in the Bible, you are excused and welcomed with open arms into Gods loving grace?
Of course ! !
It is only the homosexuals that God does not love. All other sin is excused.
You Mr. ncguy1, are a sinner. Are you not??
WRONG!
Another nut-job who couches his hate in the sweet embrace of his mythological belief. And I'm not gay, so before you say it, I have no agenda other than to expose the hypocrisy of you ignorant, hateful, so-called believers.
Wrong... delusional... sad, but fortunately on the decline as America embraces diversity. Late, but coming to the table non-the-less.
do you have any peer reviewed material to say it is not biological?
Dear ncguy1,
After lengthy discussions I have come to the conclusion that most reasons for hate have roots in fear. The reason many hate gays and lesbians is because they are afraid of them. Many men who hate gays have the same reaction many women have towards rapists to two guys holding hands. Why those men don't see this as less competition is beyond me. In addition to that, most women who hate gays are angry that the available male population has fallen. Thus I think that you wrote this more out of fear than out of love for your fellow human beings. I'm still a young female junior in high school. A junior who has realized that in a year I may have to brake off my relationship with my boyfriend so I can go to collage to better not only my life, but also the life of any potential family I have. Govtreform does have a point; in the seven possible degrees of Hell there is a possible place for you.
-Air.kit
I happen to know for a fact that both Liberace and Rock Hudson loved the place. Loved it.
Oh, and Tony Randall, too.
I do not care if you're gay. I do not care if the restaurant hires you or caters to you, or what their owners believe and state, or if there are other problems with the restaurant besides their health department scores. You do not care about my beliefs, my opinions, where I eat and probably who I hire or fire. It's called Freedom. Stay off my cloud and I'll stay off yours. MY family did not come to this country to care about stupid things like who you marry or sleep with, and what the store or restaurant down the street or across the nation thinks about it. The restaurant is as or more tolerate than those being non-tolerant of what the restaurant thinks, not even really what it does. I tolerate you, you tolerate me, just remember I have not spoken up as of yet as to what you will tolerate coming from me, yet rest assured, you too, may not like having to put up with it, but alas, that is freedom, long as I do not tread on you. So if you're not wanted, tread there not.... Chappo
Anti-gays routinely claim these days that their intended victims are "the real bullies." That's just one more anti-gay lie.
It never ceases to amaze me how many people can refer to /legislating against a gay's ability to marry/ as "personal liberty" in the same sense as holding a religious belief or a sexual orientation. No one cares what you believe. No one cares who you like or dislike. No one is trying to make you contradict your faith. But when you fund groups that try to pass laws which make other people, who have absolutely nothing to do with you, not be able to do something they would like the freedom to do, it's not about tolerance.
Get over it. Your protest generated more revenue for the chain than any ads could ever hope to do. My local restaurant required an extra turn lane to be installed by the DOT. Most were (and still are) supporting the Right to Free Speech rather than an anti-gay reaction. But it did show anti-gay Americans that they can have a voice when challenged and not have liberalism shoved down our throats.
Maybe more income that day, but Dan Cathy himself has proven his chain has fallen on hard times since then by pretending to stop donating corporate funds to anti-gay groups and pretending to negotiate with Chicago officials.
Agree. Their marketing department wouldn't be twisting themselves into knots trying to undo the damage if there were no damage to undo.
You might all be interested to know that their corporate headquarters hires no one who is not Christian. Apparently they think they are above many, many laws. I am neither gay or Jewish but I will never eat there again.
@ Jan: I, too, have heard rumors about the Chick-fil-A hiring practices. This company is not simply anti-gay. They are against all non- Christians. I will never eat there again.
The New York Times confirmed that, Jan. They also require franchise owners to be "Christians."
Which would have excluded Jesus, His parents and His Disciples.
Big deal. You should start your own business and only hire gay people....freedom is funny like that.
As someone who is gay, an eagle scout and from Fayettevile GA, I too grew up on chick-fli-a. I've met both Truet and Dan Cathy on several occasions, years ago.
I'm glad to hear that "Chick-fil-A no longer gives funds to “the most divisive anti-LGBT groups.” but.... they are still giving to other organizations that at this moment are not as powerful or organized as some of the previous ones.
The Cathys are a very ultra conservative family from the south. I can promise you this. The day that Dan Cathy made his statement about the LGBT community. I wished the reporter had asked Dan's thoughts on international marriage & abortion.
From what I know, there would not have ever been a National Chick-fil-A appreciation day!
Ignorance is bliss and hate taste delicious, Just ask Chick-fil-A.
Everyday is National Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day judging by the lines and new turn lane at my local restaurant. If you minded your own business and not attempted to stifle FREE SPEECH you might accomplish something rather than making you opponents richer
Sorry, Bud, but despite these wild claims from the few remaining anti-gays, Dan Cathy has proven his chain is in trouble. Nowadays, anti-gays are the only ones going there, and there aren't enough anti-gays left in the US to keep his business going. If Dan Cathy was as smart as he thinks he is, he would have stopped that "Appreciation Day" that established going to his chain as an anti-gay political act.
I was very appreciative they caused you to take notice carrotboy.
Telling the truth about Cathy's homophobia, and his contributions to legislation in several African countries that would criminalize homosexuality and make it a capital offense punishable by the death penalty doesn't stifle anyone's free speech. Although it may drag some very unpleasant truths out into the sunlight that Cathy would rather keep hidden in his dark, hate-filled, bigoted closet.
I think both sides have to come together and be rational. On one hand I do agree gays should be equal under the law and on the other hand it is a sin in the bible. A good compromise will be a draft a federal statute that will give equal recognition to gay unions but not call it "marriage". In the long run, homosexuality is a detriment to humanity.
The ancient Hebrews were a small tribe surrounded by hostile neighbors. Growing the population was essential to their survival. Leviticus is full of rules designed to encourage increased childbirth, only one relates to homosexuality. Heterosexuals do not observe the rest of them either. Best estimates are about 3 to 4% of the human population is homosexual. There are seven billion people in the world. The human race is not going to expire by letting gay people live their lives.
These denominations will marry same gender couples in 9 US States and the District of Columbia, and have married them in California:
The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists
The Episcopal Church
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Metropolitan Community Church
Conservative Judaism
Reform Judaism
Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
Unitarian Universalist Church
United Church of Christ
Sorry, but there's no reason for the few remaining anti-gays to be allowed to deprive these churches of their Freedom Of Religion OR be allowed to tell the MAJORITY of Americans who support marriage equality how to live.
I say praise the Lord the writer of this article knows Jesus as her Savior. Living in a lifestyle that God expressly prohibits pretty much detracts from anything else she says.
As Christ told the women at the well that was caught in adultery, "Go and sin no more." Saying this as an admonishing, not to denigrate her.
why do you feel that the bible represents the mind of god?
because it says it does?
God's version of love and marriage:
Not for gays, but:
If a virgin is r@ped, she must MARRY with the lowlife rapist and can NEVER divorce.
So are you saying that you have not sinned since you became a Christian? Or are you saying the sin of homosexuality is greater than the sin of let's say the sin of lust? The fact is that ALL people are sinners. We can't pick and choose which scriptures we choose to enforce based on our agenda can we? There are many "Old Testament" laws that Christians choose to ignore, why so hateful towards homosexuality? Was Christ's sacrifice not enough to cover any sin? Try loving your fellow men, women and neighbors the same way you love yourself regardless of their lifestyle. Their are some truly wonderful gay and lesbian people out there that I would love to count as friends.
Elliott
Married, Hetro, Father, Catholic
Sin....you are a hypocrite. Your god is not the loving god that Jesus wants his believers to believe in. But that is besides the point. Leave your religion out of our government as well as so-called public instutions and venues such as businesses. Freedom of religion does not mean freedom to impose. Many homosexuals live their lives in the closet...maybe you should go into a closet so the rest of this society does not have to smell the stench of your sick interpretation of the bible.
If gay people made a chicken sandwich that tasted as good as Chick-Fil-A, I'd be all for it. Until then.... I love my Chick-Fil-A!
Jamie Oliver and Guy Fieri aside, most gays can't cook for sh!t.
Not that it matters, but neither of those individuals are homosexual. They are both married to members of the opposite sex. And also, since when does one's sexual orientation affect their ability to cook? That is just ridiculous!
Please........I know a couple of sausage-smokers when I see 'em. Ever see these guys lick their fingers? They go way past the knuckle – talk about your oral fixation!
Actually, we can all now see it's really "American Pride" who has told readers he's fixated on "gay sex."
American Pride – why are you so closely watching men licking their fingers?
I was raised in the city where Chick-fil-A was born, Hapeville, Ga. I was raised on Chick-Fil-A.
However, no member of my family has eaten a chick-Fil-A product in over 15 years. There are other areas, where this Christian company does not act in a Christian manner....to the point of believing as a private company they have no need to follow laws unless they agree with them. That statement was made by Truett Cath himself in a private conversation. I applaud the good work his foundation has done for many, many years....but that doesn't mean they can just say, "This is the way we want it, this is the way we will operate."
Oh, yes they can. They can run their company anyway they want to. As long as they don't break laws. Get over it, they are solid folks...
Why is it that the LGBT community feels they have to shove everything about their lifestyle in our faces? I believe that each person does have the right to live their life as they wish. Live and let live. But, why is it that they can raise a ruckus when they feel that someone or an organization does not have the same views and opinions as they do? Are these people and organizations not entitled to the same rights of freedom of expression as the LGBT community? The hypocrisy of these LGBT people does nothing to help their cause. And, frankly, they are just as guilty of the same perceived discrimination as they complain about.
You are gay or whatever. Fine. Do I have to have a heterosexual pride march because I am heterosexual? No. So, why doe the gays feel like they needs to rub everyone's nose in their sexual orientation rather than just going about their lives like the rest of us?
i suppose when heterosexuals stop trying to deny gays their civil rights, you may have a point. i am heterosexual, but not proudly so. i am heterosexual because that is the way i was born. i am brown haired (well, other than some invading gray hairs) because it is the way i was born
You don't have to have marches dimbulb...you already have your rights. duh
Well stated Scott!
Just when did LGBT Americans cook up Hate Votes to deprive anti-gays of their right to legal marriage?
Scott, I have said the same thing you are saying for years. Yes, why do they have to have a parade? We would have lawsuits and people screaming discrimination if we had our own straight pride parades. Why don't we have our own bumper stickers for our cars, with our own colors, to announce to the world that we are straight? Does it really matter to us if we pass another driver and we see your rainbow colored gay emblem on your car? Why do they think we even care if they are gay?!!? And, it's not only the Christian faiths that say it's wrong. Other religions around the world feel the same way. Matter of fact, a lot of agnostics and atheists feel it's also wrong. Why is it that only Christians get all the blame? Sick and tired of the discrimination and hate that the LGBT community throws at anyone who is not like them. It's got to stop on all sides.... Not all Christians hate gays! Give it a rest LGBT! Stop lumping all Christians into the same hate-filled category. Some of you gays (not all) are so filled with hate like the people you rant about. Just stop talking about being gay! Majority of people just don't care!!! Also, stop putting stress on your own kind to come out because it will help other gays! Why do you blame other gays for not coming out, too? Gay celebrities are not responsible for things that happen to you because you are gay. You feel good about yourself because Ellen came out of the closet? That's pathetic if you do. What's all this "awareness" talk for? Like we aren't "aware" already?!!? And, again, we don't care! Most of us ARE accepting of your lifestyle. It's fine to not approve of the gay lifestyle if that is our personal opinion. Ironic how the LGBT preaches tolerance, but they don't tolerate anyone who disapproves of them. There's no way we will all agree on everything. That doesn't make the other person on the other side of the fence a bad person. Being gay or straight should not be what you are all about. If that's your "agenda" in life you are a very sad little person. How about it if we just all strive to be just kind decent human beings to one another? Don't tell me I'm a bad person because I believe that relationships should be between a man and a woman. It's my opinion and it does not matter to you and your life. My opinion is not filled with hate. It's just the way that I feel. Just like yours doesn't matter to me. Who cares?!!!?
Thank you Tom. Sums it up perfectly.
You already enjoy your civil rights under the law. The LGBT community doesn't. Until that happens, expect those of us who believe in marriage equality to state our opinions, long and loud, at every opportunity.
I want the deviants to continue their boycott of Chick-Fill-A because it is a family friendly place. I can take my family there now knowing that the gays are not around me. H0 m 0 s exuality is a sin agaisnt God. I go there every Sunday after church with my family and I have even met the CEO of Chick-fill-A. He is a good god fearing man. I wish God would send another major gay disease like A I DS to the gays because they did not listen the first time around.
They're closed on Sunday, so I'm pretty sure you are lying.
Thom, they're not open on Sunday. Bearing a bit of false witness, are we?
Your sunday trips are as delusional as you appear to be. I am not gay, Christian, black, hispanic or any other minority. I am white male. However, that does not define me, just like it does not define others that are different from me. We are all born different, and we are all born without prejudice. Unfortunately, you have learned to become prejudiced. Instead of hating people because they are different from you, try accepting them for who they are. Perhaps you are the one that is different, so maybe you should be shunned. Think about it, if you can.
to be fair, thom37 said he went there on sunday, he did not say he got in
When anti-gays tell readers here they hope all LGBT Americans would get a disease, suffer and die, and they took pleasure at the suffering AIDS caused, they show normal, non-homophobic Americans just WHO is "perverse."
Shame on you for lying, Thom37!
For crying out loud... I am so tired of this... CNN, you're a joke for continuing to make this garbage newsworthy... NEXT!!! We are free to make our decision and go or not go wherever we want... people who are, or relate to gays please stop whining about people who aren't... Good grief... Christians don't hate gays or anything else... we truly believe we are as sinful and in need of forgiveness as ANYONE else... NEXT subject!
Thank you and well said!
you don't hate them, but you want to deny them equal rights?
Poor Dave. After damning CNN for this article, you read it... poured thru the 2800+ responses to it... and then railed at the postings... wasting how much of your life? may be time to get one. For the rest of us, CNN is just about the only 24hr news organization seriously attempting to offer credible news... some where between MSNBC on the left and Fox out there on the rt... which it would appear, you should be waisting most of your time :-)
What a sell out! And over a chicken sandwich, no less. Glad to see she has all the resolve and back bone of an inch worm.
I'll never set foot in a Chick-fil-a. I never felt so hated and unwelcome the day the people in my community tripped over themselves for a socially acceptable chance to line up in mass and let me know they hate me.
Never! And certainly not for something a trivial as a sandwich.
As I stated in my response to this story, I do not understand how the gays like you can be so hypocritical of your own espousings. Chikfila is entitiled to their opinions just as much as you are entitiled to your own. While I agree with you that tha uthor has no backbone for caving in for a chicken sandwich, it just further demonstrates the hypocrisy of the LGBT community–and that I find hilarious.
No, this isn't about Dan Cathy's nasty opinions and his attack on the majority of Americans who support marriage equality, it's about him donating MILLIONS in corporate funds to anti-gay groups which in turn, with his approval, committed criminal acts in violation of campaign finance and disclosure laws to throw anti-gay Hate Votes.
Degrading people you do not know part of your preverted lifestyle?
Did Aaron not degrade her by inferring that she "has the back bone of a worm"? You flamers are such hypocrites. Elitist snobs constantly shrieking for attention like a 15 year old schoolgirl.
American Pride,
Do heteros engage in any perversions? Are you just being a world-class hypocrite for picking on gays?
"Hetero perversions"? Of course. Just ask the catholic church, or any member of the Republican party who's been caught with his pants down with another male. And I don't 'pick on' gays. I pick on deviants – adulterers, sodomites, blasphemers, Presbyterians.
american pride: aaron implied it, not inferred it
Wow. Judge much? Ncguy, if there is a hell, im certain there is a VERY special place reserved for you in it.
We didn't line up to let you know we hate you. We lined up to let you know that trying to strong arm a business because the CEO expressed an opinion that you don't like is NOT acceptable. I happen to be in favor of equal marriage rights. I'm also an atheist, so I don't share his religious beliefs either. had Chik-fil-a said they won't hire gays or that gays can't eat there, I'd have supported your stance, and probably wouldn't have eaten there. He didn't. He just said he didn't approve of gay marriage. He had every right to say that, no matter how wrong minded it is. If you don't want to eat there because of his opinion, DON'T. But the protests and the planned "kiss-in" where little more than bullying. I showed up to be part of the public reaction against that sort of arrogant bully tactic, not against you.
The author believes the world revolves around her and I could care less where she eats.
She is quite the snob isn't she.
I want the deviants to continue their boycott of Chick-Fill-A because it is a family friendly place. I can take my family there now knowing that the gays are not around me. H0m0sexuality is a sin agaisnt God. I go there every Sunday after church with my family and I have even met the CEO of Chick-fill-A. He is a good god fearing man. I wish God would send another major gay disease like AIDS to the gays because they did not listen the first time around.
I'm deeply hoping that you're just a troll, and very bad at it. But since I have my doubts and just think that you're an angry old bigot who never went to university, never broadened your horizons, and probably live in a town of six-hundred people, here goes, since I will not abide by someone wishing AIDS on another person and hiding behind the age old adage of "but it's okay because I'm a Christian":
How very Christlike of you to say such things.
"Love thy neighbour, unless they don't feel the same feelings for other people that you do, in which case, wish for God to smite them with a fatal illness." – Jesus Christ
Because that was totally his word. "Smite the sinner; he deserves it." Yeah, Jesus was JUST that big of a jerk to others. Forget the whole hanging out with lepers thing, that was all a public relations thing.
Or not.
My word, I absolutely cannot wait for your generation to die out so we can finally move forward. I also hope one of your children ends up gay just so you can have your own moral crisis. It might wake you up a bit to how the world works outside of the Happyland, America cityscape you seem to have so painted for yourself, because if you'd taken any time to step foot into the real world, you'd learn so much about other people, like, say, LGBT people, or, even better, religious people who are tolerant.
Then again, people like you often don't change. Take solace in the fact that after you're dead, there will probably be a gay president of this country because we won't have idiots like you voting against him.
Oh, he's a troll, all right. See how he uses a slightly different screen name every time? Setting up multiple sock puppets is a common trick trolls play. Anti-gays routinely troll this subject, trying to make it look like there are a lot of anti-gays, when we all know anti-gays are a tiny minority.
Those that supported Chik-Fil -A were not against gays or homo marriage for the most part, they were FOR the right to express your beliefs, regardless of what they are. The owner was not demonizing anything, he was simply standing his ground with regard to HIS beliefs. As far a "hate groups" go, I see more hate spewed by the LGBT-liberal-whatever community toward anyone who dares to disagree with THEIR agenda and beliefs. And it is THEM who are trying to force their lifestyle and beliefs on everyone else, not vice versa. Liberals have such a victim mentality – get over it.
Expressing a right to free speech and spending company funds to support the suppression of YOUR/OUR brothers and sisters in humanity are two completely different things.
"I see more hate spewed by the LGBT-liberal-whatever community"
How many times are the few remaining anti-gays gonna WHINE that their intended VICTIMS are "the real haters"? When did LGBT Americans ever cook up a Hate Vote to deprive anti-gays of their right to legal marriage?
I just wonder how many protestors drove to hold signs in front of Chick Fil A. Where did that oil in your car come from? In Arab countries, the penalty for homosexuality is DEATH. Yet we still drive our cars.... while we indignantly pass Chick Fil A by. It's funny how everyone is willing to take a stand, as long as it doesn't REALLY affect your life. Stop using foreign oil. THAT is a true conviction against the unjust treatment of gays.
About 13% of our oil comes from Middle Eastern countries. This issue isn't about what happens there.
These are adult, tax-paying Americans who are denied equal rights under American law. It's wrong.
When a business turns itself into a platform for dysfunctional hyperreligious hate-mongers, it's time to stop doing business with them. If you want a chicken sandwich much better than Chic's, try the spicy chicken sandwich at Checkers. And you don't have to hate anybody.
Just because someone doesn't agree with the gay lifestyle DOES NOT make them a hate-mongerer! Not all straight people hate gays. We can prefer one lifestyle over the other and not have any hateful feelings about it. It's just our own opinion! Disagreement does not equal hate!
The government should get out of the marriage business. The reason the govt got in it was mainly for STD control and to force fathers to support their children. We now have STD treatments and DNA screening to determine parentage. Any two or more humans should have the opportunity to marry, then go to a lawyer and make a contract enforceable in the courts. Then you are married. God does not say "this couple must follow the US laws or they are not married." Keeping up with marriages and divorces cost local governments a fortune and it is one more trap for lawyers to snag clients.
Once again, the radical homosexual agenda rears its ugly head.
"The truth is that Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day was not about freedom of speech. It was simply a thinly veiled protest against homosexuals, period. Those swarms of conservatives weren’t lining up around the block getting waffle fries and chicken sandwiches to protest such lofty ideals as upholding the constitution and protecting the First Amendment. I believe they were showing that they are united against same-sex marriage and against gays, in general."
THIS IS A LIE. Just because people, Christian or not, disagree with the homosexual lifestyle, does not mean hatred. that is a lie straight from the pit of hell. Many Christians purchase products from Disney, Apple, Levi Strauss – all of these companies are very pro homosexual – and do so without a word of complaint or hatred. I ate at Chik-Fil-A on that day to show my support for the RIGHT to express our opinions and not get harassed.
This woman is unfortunately, typical in her views. She believes that anyone who disagrees with the homosexual lifestyle is wrong and must change their attitude in today's world. I say NO. I will support anyone's choice to live the way they want. It is America and we are all free to live our lives. But to tell me that homosexuality is a normal behavior is wrong. It is an alternative lifestyle which means "not the norm". It is a distortion of the sexual relationship that God created for men and women to enjoy in marriage. She stated that she refused to believe that "God made a mistake". He didn't – we live in a sinful world and we choose how to live our lives. In the vast majority of cases, homosexuality is a choice, regardless of what the media, Hollywood and leftist liberals will tell you. It was classified as a deviant behavior until 1973, when 2 men who were closet homosexuals and on the board of Directors with the American Association of Psychology wanted it changed.
Everyone is free to live their lives as they choose. Everyone has the right to express an opinion and not be judged because of that opinion. Ms. Willis has judged me as a hater because I do not believe homosexuality is a normal behavior. I don't call her names or belittle her for her lifestyle, but she seems to have no problem belittling me and other Christians for believing what the Bible says about homosexuality. And that is what bigotry really looks like.
mom of 4: why do you call it a "lifestyle"?
you have every right believing it is not normal behavior. what you do not have a right to do is deny others their civil rights.
But you are belittling her mom offourwhen you refer to homosexuality as a "lifestyle" . The moment you said that I stopped taking you seriously on the grounds that you don't not undersand gay culture.
Wish I could be there to witness your final judgement. The look of sheer terror on you face is gonna be priceless!
There's no such thing as heaven, hell, or any god's "judgement", but it's interesting how much delight you take in imagining the torture of someone who disagrees with you. Mighty fine christian values there.
Actually everything you just said is bigoted. Judge not, lest ye be judged. Does that ring any bells? If you really are a Christian you should read your new testament again and really pay attention to what Jesus says.
Oh dear me, are you not MERCIFUL? So, just be be clear, you don't "hate" gay people, you just support a bigot's right to freely express his bigotry verbally and by donating money to causes that aggressively fight against allowing gay people to have the same rights under the law that you yourself enjoy....that about right?
You are truly among the worst breed of human. I do not envy your children the miserable life they will have if they don't one day soon come to the realization what a wretched mother they have and work to overcome the hateful brainwashing you have forced upon them.
My aren't you clever. We all stand in wonder how you, a non gay person, can tell me, a gay man, how I became gay. To you, you choose your sexual orientation. At what point exactly does that happen, since your an authority of the subject. Or perhaps the bible you thump with so much agression can tell you, like it does about divorce (oh that's right, you just ignore that one).
For someone who comes on this thread you certainly have an agenda. It quacks just like a duck, and it certainly walks like a duck, so my quess is your a duck. You deride her for so called name calling while you see her and raise her fifty in your name calling. Typical of your sub species.
Attack call them names and then say how put upon you are. If anything is pathetic, that is.
Bottom line, is you dont belive in this country. You dont think that we are all created equal. You are more concerned, as your response so clearly shows, with your agenda of protecting your privilege that you are blind to the very truth that stands in front of you. You violate God's laws, you stand in judgement of someone you do not know, you call them names, you belittle them and minimize an individuals worth and then have the audacity to tell me how I came to be gay.
Wow, perhaps you can share with us all your views on inter-racial marriages so we may all become more enlightened.
Mom of 4, your thoughts are very much like my own Mothers... And its sad to think that at least one of your children will decide to distance themselves from you, if not all, because of your view of the modern world and your lack of evolution in thought. Not because they don't love you, not because they are not grateful for what you've given them in their childhood, but because you are refusing to accept all humans as they are. My relationship with my Mother has diminished in the last 10 years due to my disdain of her lack of acceptance of the human race. I've had to schedule TWO wedding receptions (one for my family and one for my friends) because I am EMBARRASSED to have such close mindedness around my wonderful friends. I am a woman who married a man. I am a human being who loves. And I would think that if you are a mother of 4, then you have to know what genuine, real love feels like.
I dare you to imagine a world where the roles were reversed. Imagine if in the Bible (or ReligiousBook you place great value in) heterosexual marriages were condemned. Would you 'choose' to be homosexual to act in accordance with your religious affiliation? Would you be attracted to that person you were 'choosing' to be with? Would you try to conform?Would you still love the father of your children? Would you still want to marry him and make your partnership legal? Would you support a company that contributed to organizations that prevented you from sitting in a hospital room with your partner while he was dying?
Love doesn't have a sexual preference, a racial preference, a religious preference, or age preference. Real love is within ALL humans. HUMANS. We are of the same species. We all have skin, a brain, and organs. If you are truly in love and have ever been truly in love, then you know it is not something that is 'controlled'.
I wish you luck in your life. I hope that your children can see beyond your ideals. But I also hope that your children grow up with their OWN sense of self and identity with their OWN voices and I hope that you ENCOURAGE that. Most of all I hope that you love your children, unconditionally... UNCONDITIONALLY... no matter what their views, thoughts, or sexuality are.
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Priceless! And endless gaggle of Inbred rednecks defending intolerance and fatty fried foods. Somewhere Paula Deen is having an orgasm...
Perfect.
The question here is a man's right to FREE SPEECH. Live with it. You are free not to eat there. If enough people do this he will go broke. But it seems the more negative press he gets the better his bottom line. So I would shut up and let the man speak. Funny I don't hear any uproar about Saudis and Muslim or Islamist groups beheading gays. This man just speaks his mind and some fascists call for his death. You either believe in the Constitution or you don't. If you don't, find a country that reflects your views and let the man exercise his own right as an American.