Chick-fil-A backs away from same-sex marriage fray

AP Photo/Mike Stewart

(AP) ATLANTA — A Georgia-based restaurant chain that drew national attention when its owner reaffirmed his opposition to same-sex marriage says it's leaving the debate to politicians in the future.

Chick-fil-A issued a statement to that effect Wednesday when asked to comment on a claim earlier in the day that the company had stopped funding organizations that oppose same-sex marriage.

Chicago Alderman Joe Moreno announced the alleged policy change, which he said followed extended negotiations. He said as a result, he would no longer try to block a Chick-fil-A restaurant from opening in his district.

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The company declined to comment beyond a statement saying it planned "to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena."

Anti-gay groups listed as recipients of funds in the past declined to comment.

[UForgotPoland]

What they really need to back away on is there overpriced menu items.

[hypnotoad72]

Given this company started the fracas, just to rake in money from clueless customers, it seems the company has now turned chicken on this issue.

No pun intended.

I'm sure the CEO will run out of wedge issues to exploit at some point, though...

[moonglowsun]

Money talks huh? What a whimpy, anemic apology for overt bigotry.

[rightontarget]

"morally or sexually correct"?????? And just who do you think you are to make that decision? Wow! I be Chik-fil-a is so very relieved to know that they have your business for life... LMAO!

[Dancing-in-the-Streets]

LOL! And where are all those people who said a boycott wouldn't make any difference? : )

[jokjeb]

Chowin down on some of that tasty KFC!

[RetiredArmy_Nurse]

Well, this is still not an apology for the basic bigotry and discrimination of the company officers. Until they make a formal apology boycotting them is still appropriate. For moral folks who love their sandwichs, but want to boycott, the good news is you can make these little calorie bombs at home. The recipe is Chick-Fil-A copycat at hilahcooking dot com. The trick seems to be using cheap pickles and soaking the chicken strips in the pickle juice for an hour. I tried it and got a tasty result, but I've never eaten at the restaurant (I avoid all fast food). The website also has a lower calorie version where you bake the chicken strips rather than frying them in peanut oil. The best news is you can make these sandwiches at home for half the price. So I hope this makes a lot of moral folks start saving by cooking them up at home.

[RollotheNorman]

Holy Cow! All those RepubliCONs that choked down Chik-fil-A sandwiches on solidarity day were sure burned. HAAAAHAAAAHAAAAHAAA!

[Repubs_R_Fiscal_Liberals]

by Sam671 September 20, 2012 9:47 AM EDT
Right wing, fudamentalist, evangelical, Christan Taliban, hate speech?

---------

He's talking about those like you who hate gays, hate muslims, hate womens' rights, etc. You claim to want a small government, yet you are only for Freedom and Liberty for people exactly like yourself.

And that's completely transparent.

[Flipsarah16]

So for sure Sam671 doesn't hate women's rights but he DOES hate some Muslim's and the "lifestyle" of gays. Someone isn't sounding too smart right now...

[Repubs_R_Fiscal_Liberals]

Sooo - they decided to stop using their own foot for target practice?

Too late!

[tepeterso]

Chickie lost-

[AOCGUY]

It rarely makes sense in the business world to intentionally attempt to anger and alienate any portion of your customer base and it is almost impossible not to do that if one takes a public stand on a controversial political issue.

Mr Cathy was completely within his rights to speak his mind but had he thought about it he is in the business of sellng fast food. Whether he agrees supports or opposes gay rights he most certainly wants every customer dollar he can get including those of gay people.

We saw this with Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks and her comments on then President Bush. Again while she was certainly free to voice her opinion, she had to know it would **** off a substantial portion of her now former fans. Like Cathy she forgot what business she was in.

[jgnv]

You're so right. When this was first announced my reaction was, what about all the individual franchise owners who could care less about the sexual orientation of their customer base? Celebrities and corporate CEOs as well should all refrain from making public comments based on any controversial topic out of respect for their fan base and customers as well.