Chick-fil-A Called 'Anti-Gay' for Contributions to Pro-Marriage Groups
Chick-fil-A, the fast-food chicken restaurant chain known for its commitment to employing biblical beliefs in its business practices, is once again under attack by homosexual activists for its support of pro-traditional marriage organizations.
The most recent attacks come from an analysis by homosexual activists claiming that the company – primarily through the WinShape Foundation – has donated over a million dollars to organizations that promote family and Christian values such as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes ($480,000), Family Research Council ($1000), the Marriage and Family Foundation ($1,188,380) and Exodus International ($1,000).
"Let's face it: despite what the company's president says, Chick-Fil-A is an anti-gay corporation," wrote Tyler Coates in Blackbook. "I hate Chick-Fil-A, and not just because I think pieces of chicken slathered in pickle juice is inherently revolting. I hate Chick-Fil-A because Chick-Fil-A hates me. You know what I do have a problem with? The fact that the company gives so much g**damn money to anti-gay groups."
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The restaurant chain started by Truett Cathy and his wife over 66 years ago is now one of the nation's fasting growing fast food enterprises in spite of being closed on Sundays – a move that brings continued criticism from atheists and secular organizations.
According to the company's website, "Truett Cathy, made the decision to close on Sundays in 1946 when he opened his first restaurant in Hapeville, Georgia. He has often shared that his decision was as much practical as spiritual. He believes that all franchised Chick-fil-A Operators and Restaurant employees should have an opportunity to rest, spend time with family and friends, and worship if they choose to do so. That's why all Chick-fil-A Restaurants are closed on Sundays. It's part of our recipe for success."
Peter Sprigg, vice president for the Family Research Council, says their group makes it a practice not to comment on the individuals or corporations who give money to them, but it appears much of the criticism throw at Chick-fil-A has to do with their donations to marriage enrichment programs.
"Chick-fil-A has given money to groups that support and strengthen marriage between men and women," Sprigg told The Christian Post. "I would hardly say that is anti anything. The company boldly states they were founded on Christian principles and marriage is one of the most basic of Christian tenets and is the foundation of the family. I can't see why anyone would object to that."
What confuses pro-family groups such as the Family Research Council the most is why they are labeled a "hate" group by liberal watchdogs such as the Southern Poverty Law Center simply because they subscribe to and believe in biblical principles.
"My question would be when someone gives money to an organization that promotes the homosexual lifestyle, does that mean they hate Christians? I certainly hope not," Pastor David Baker told The Christian Post. "To my knowledge, I've never seen a group that advocates and truly believes in Christian principles say they hate anyone. I think that would apply to Chick-fil-A and the local business owner who happens to be a Christian."
Although the company rarely responds to inquiries about its corporate donations, Chick-fil-A President and COO Dan Cathy released a statement in 2011 denying that Chick-fil-A had an agenda against any group or organization but would "continue to offer resources to strengthen marriage and families."
