After Dan Cathy, president of Chick-fil-A (video interview below), confirmed his company's commitment to traditional family values in an interview with Baptist Press (BP), homosexual activists are up in arms and calling for yet another all-out boycott of the chain's 1,608 restaurants.
"Chick-fil-A doesn't like gay people? So lame. Hate to think what they do to gay chickens. Lost a loyal fan."
What has gay activists stirred up is a response Cathy gave to BP when asked about the company's support of a marriage enrichment program promoted through the WinShape Foundation, which is primarily funded by Chick-fil-A. The company's support and funding have led some to offer sharp criticism of the company for only encouraging traditional marriage.
"Well, we're guilty as charged," Cathy said when questioned about the issue. "We are very much supportive of the family... We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that."
Chick-fil-A spokesman Don Perry emailed a prepared statement to the Atlanta Journal Constitution on Wednesday evening when they inquired about the company's position.
"The Chick-fil-A culture and service tradition in our restaurants is to treat every person with honor, dignity and respect -- regardless of belief, creed and sexual orientation," the statement said. "We will continue this tradition in the over 1,600 restaurants run by independent Owner/Operators. Going forward, our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena."
Not all business leaders are showing the same courage in the face of similar attacks. Following an accusation of being anti-gay, Office Depot recently rolled out an initiative called "Be Brave" that highlights gay celebrities such as Lady Gaga.
"It's interesting we're the ones called intolerant as Christians," said Ruth Malhotra, an Atlanta political consultant, told The Christian Post. "Last week Office Depot began running a promotion featuring Lady Gaga and encouraging same-sex behavior by supporting her 'Born This Way Foundation' and saying that becoming homosexual is a sign of bravery. Since when did engaging in sexual immorality become an act of courage?"
