Chick-Fil-A To Expand In Colorado Despite Controversy

DENVER (CBS4) - The mayor of San Francisco is the latest politician to say Chick-fil-A is not welcome to build there. The mayors of Boston and Chicago already blasted the restaurant chain after its president spoke out against gay marriage last week.

Chick-fil-A has several locations in Colorado and plans for more. At least one more is slated to open in next year, and this controversy is not likely to change that.

While some people say they will never eat there again, others say it makes them support the restaurant even more.

Chick-fil-A has never shied away from its image as a Christian company. The businesses aren't even open on Sundays. But company president Dan Cathy's comment that he backs "the biblical definition of a family" has turned up the heat on the popular chain.

"Chick-fil-A has entered into a public conversation, which they have every right to do, but honestly I don't think Americans are having it," Jace Woodrum with One Colorado said. "We just won't stand for this kind of rhetoric any longer."

As the deputy director for the Colorado advocacy group, Woodrum supports the boycott of the business.

"I think it's incredibly courageous what these city and state leaders have done," Woodrum said.

Others stand firmly on team Chick-fil-A.

"I really admire them for the stand that they take," said Mary Lou Lambert, who supports Chick-fil-A.

"I like it even better. I like people who have principles and morals and stand for them," said Carol Schremmer, who also supports Chick-fil-A.

Chick-fil-A supporters believe their anger will galvanize business in some parts of the country, including Colorado.

"Nobody has the right to tell them that they can't have a business somewhere just because they don't like what they say. This is America and it's a free country," Schremmer said.

"The Chick-fil-A culture and service tradition on our restaurants is to treat every person with honor, dignity and respect," the company said in a statement. "Going forward, our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena."

Chick-fil-A has more than 1,600 restaurants with 29 in Colorado.