The Great Chick-fil-A Debate
The fast food chain is accused of homophobia.
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One Hot Topic - Chick-fil-A has been in the midst of a free-speech firestorm since the company’s CEO said he doesn’t support same-sex marriage. Since then, the fast-food chain has fought a public-relations battle. Get the backstory on the same-sex marriage debate that's ruffling the feathers of one of America's most beloved fast food chains. —Britt Middleton (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)
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Chick-fil-A President Accused of Homophobia - In an interview with The Baptist Press on July 16, Dan Cathy, president of the family-owned Chick-fil-A fast food chain, said his company openly supported "the biblical definition of the family unit." The next day, in a radio interview, he said same-sex marriage was "inviting God's judgment" and condemned people for having "the audacity to try to redefine what marriage is about." (Photo: Chick-Fil-A)
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Fired Up - Cathy's comments didn't sit well with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) advocacy groups. Many called for called for peaceful protests outside Chick-fil-A restaurants around the country. On social media, fans of the fried-chicken sandwiches and French fries were divided over whether Cathy was exercising his freedom of speech or furthering a vicious cycle of intolerance. (Photo: Robert MacPherson/AFP/GettyImages)
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History of Controversy - Chick-fil-A, which operates openly under Christian values (it is closed for business on Sundays), donated nearly $2 million to seven anti-gay groups in 2010, including Exodus International, "a major promoter of 'ex-gay' therapy, the practice of trying to change a person’s sexual orientation from gay to straight," Equality Matters writes. (Photo: AP Photo/Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Elissa Eubanks, File)
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Just Say "No" To "Hate Chicken" - "Given my longstanding strong support for LGBT rights & marriage equality, I would not support #hatechicken," Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray tweeted on July 27. He joins the mayors of Boston, Chicago and San Francisco who have pledged their support to the LGBT community. Chicago Mayor Thomas Menino even vowed to block plans in place for Chick-fil-A to open its first store in the city. (Photo: Rod Lamkey Jr./The Washington Times /Landov)
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A Call to Arms - Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee went on the defensive for the popular spot, claiming it was being subjected to "hate speech and economic bullying" and that detractors were looking to "disenfranchise" Christians. Huckabee called for National Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day On Aug. 1, which drew support from thousands of Americans around the country. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
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Miss Piggy and Kermit Are Out - Just when it seemed like the story couldn’t get any more hairy, famous friends Miss Piggy, Kermit the Frog and the rest of Jim Henson's Muppets joined in on the fight for LGBT rights. Following Cathy’s comments, the Jim Henson Co. announced on July 23 it will stop providing toys for the chain's kids' meals. (Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Disney)
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LGBT Groups Strike Back - On Facebook, LGBT advocates have gathered more than 11,000 supporters for National Same-Sex Kiss Day on Aug. 3, where same sex-couples plan to kiss in front their local Chick-fil-A restaurant. (Photo: Facebook)