Ed Helms and other celebrities call for Chick-fil-A boycott due to their anti-gay stance


Another day, another story of an organization speaking out against gay people – and getting their ass handed to them by celebrities. The latest is Chick-fil-A, whose President said in a recent interview that they support “the biblical definition of the family unit.” They support it so much that they’ve given millions of dollars to anti-gay Christian groups. This news has come out before, but last year Chick-fil-A tried to smooth everything over by issuing a press release that they weren’t anti-gay and had “no agenda against anyone. At the heart and soul of our company, we are a family business that serves and values all people regardless of their beliefs or opinions.” He also called for “civility in dialogue with others who may have different beliefs,” which was a decent way to handle it. Their President’s new interview clarifies that they do support “traditional” marriage and a lot of people are saying they will no longer eat there.

“Office” star Ed Helms is officially boycotting Chick-fil-A … claiming the restaurant chain’s anti-gay stance has caused him to lose his appetite.

Helms is responding to a statement issued by Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy … who recently told a Christian publication that when it comes to accusations his company is actively opposed to gay marriage, Chick-fil-A is “guilty as charged.”

Cathy claims his chicken people support the “biblical definition of the family unit.” In fact, Chick-fil-A reportedly donated nearly $2 million towards religious groups that oppose gay marriage in 2010 alone.

The comments clearly didn’t sit well with Helms … who tweeted, “Chick-Fil-A doesn’t like gay people? So lame. Hate to think what they do to the gay chickens! Lost a loyal fan.”

Helms ain’t alone … the gay rights campaign NOH8 — supported by stars like Miley Cyrus, Lindsay Lohan and the Kardashians — has also called for a Chick-fil-A boycott.

[From TMZ]

I’m torn about this story. On one hand I agree that people have the right to believe whatever they want about issues like this. When they give a lot of money to groups that work to deny basic rights to people, and when they come out publicly to say that they support denying those rights, I have the choice as a consumer to take my business elsewhere. It’s a shame because Chick-fil-A has decent food, great indoor playgrounds and a nice, family-friendly atmosphere. If that atmosphere wasn’t exclusionary I might be able to enjoy it there. At least Chick-fil-A doesn’t have a policy against serving same sex couples. They’ll take their money but they want us to know that they don’t think they should have the same rights as other couples.

You can see what people are saying about this story, and add a comment on Chick-fil-A’s Facebook page.

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272 Responses to “Ed Helms and other celebrities call for Chick-fil-A boycott due to their anti-gay stance”

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  1. MK yarwood says:

    Define ‘decent food’?

    • corny says:

      Holy Cow! Holy Pluckers!
      Is it 1955? wtf? I never heard of this place and I think I’m better for it

    • joan of snark says:

      EXACTLY! with the antibiotic filled, soaked in its own feces, and inhumane meat production, not being Gay friendly enough is the second reason why this corporation’s product should be banned. Ick. Do gay people even eat there? I thought they were stereotyped as having good taste! I could see the flannel-lesbians being pissed…Well, at least Cyrus is getting her peeps to follow the ban. THAT should make a difference.

      • Tara says:

        Exactly @jane of snark. On a sidenote I’m distracted by my crush on Ed helms…

      • flan says:

        Eek.

        Never knew about that. And then anti-gay as well. Ugh, good place to boycott.

      • katsrulz says:

        Leave God out of my chicken!! It would be one thing if he personally donated the money but it’s company funds….money that has come from myself, friends and family. I don’t want ANY of the money I helped them earn to go to ANY HATE organization, much less one that wants to determine what it thinks I should do or be.

    • ZenB!tch says:

      Better than McDs?

  2. cmc says:

    Yup, I completely support this and think it’s a long time coming. Chik-fil-A, it’s 2012. They can’t justify trying to squash fellow humans’ rights and enjoy criticism-free business. I have a right to take my business elsewhere and I hope this sticks, many people do it, and it hurts them right in the wallet.

    • Chuck says:

      Chick-Fil-A doesn’t care what you think. But I’ll start eating there several times a week to counteract all of you that “boycott” a place you never went to in the first place.

      Nitwits.

      • Linda says:

        It is a sad day in America when your opinion or belief makes you the target of harassment and excessive negativity. Where is the freedom of choice here?

  3. beyonce's bump says:

    This just made me a fan of Helms. I agree that everyone has the right to their own ideology or opinion. I also believe that we have the right to react to said person based on their ideology or opinion. So if you believe that same sex couples should be denied the right to marriage, then allow me by all means to believe that my hard earned money is better spent on a different restaurant. Good on Helms!

  4. Christine says:

    I’m already boycotting them. It’s not hard because the food is gross. So win-win for me!

    • John Wayne Lives says:

      They can believe what they want, and so can i. Their food is gross +1

    • johnnybadboytapia says:

      I have stopped eating there, I refuse to support any company that chooses to suppress the basic human rights of any group.

    • joan of snark says:

      yeah, now if only mcdonalds and krispy kreme would come out as bigots…

      • GreenTurtle says:

        Haha! No joke.

      • flan says:

        Think McDonalds would be super-dumb if they did that. They don’t just sell in the US, but also in countries where gay-rights are far more advanced.

        They would lose a massive amount of money.

  5. Kipiture says:

    I haven’t eaten there since last year when I found out about all the money they give to anti-gay organizations. Don’t miss it a bit.

  6. Susan says:

    This is the first I’ve heard of this. They just lost my business. I have a playdate scheduled there for tomorrow. Time for a change of venue.

  7. TXCinderella says:

    I am not a religious person, but I think that Christians have a right to their beliefs, just as gays have a right to their beliefs. Who’s to say who is right and who is wrong? Chick-fil-A can spend their money any way they want to. It’s a well known fact that Chick-fil-A is a Christian based company, and only hire religious persons. Those who don’t like it don’t have to eat there, and don’t have to work there. Also, Chick-fil-A did not say they don’t like gay people. They merely support organizations that believe marriage is between a man and a woman. I have the same beliefs, and I have a gay brother whom I love dearly. Even he believes marriage should be between a man and a woman.

    • cr says:

      Which is what CB wrote in the post-they have the right to what they believe, and we have the right to react to that belief, whether it’s through boycotting, or not boycotting, or supporting them even more because you agree with them.

      • lucy2 says:

        Agree.

      • flan says:

        Exactly.

        If they want to fund such groups, it’s their right.

        But we can boycott them too, which is our right. CB did not tell them to shut up, so I don’t see why people have to come out and say it’s people’s right to have an opinion just when people disagree with that opinion. (if someone says they should shut it, it makes sense, but not when people have a different opinion).

    • mel says:

      I totally agree. I have no problem with gay people…as I have no problem with private companies supporting organizations of their choice. That’s why the USA is called a “free country.”

    • lafairy says:

      Are you aware that what you are saying equals in every aspects saying during the racial segregation: I like black people but I believe vote and civil rights are much more a white people thing… But I really really like them.

      Being gay is not a belief!!!!!

      it’s not a choice you are born that way, it’s like ethnicity something you can’t change and that is a tremedous and deep part of you!

      so are you saying that if one don’t like latinos or black people or asians then that person is totally entitled to express and “stand” for his/her belief right?

      Gay DO NOT EXPRESS A BELIEF!They are just trying to have the RIGHT to live the same kind of life and the same kind of RIGHTS than the heterosexuals have just by being hetero.

      You should really try to get educated on this specific subject, it is a shame that some people still believe that being gay is the same as a belief or an opinion.

      • Paul Frehley says:

        BULL, BULL, BULL. Being gay IS A CHOICE. How about you educate yourself on this specific subject?

      • lafairy says:

        @ Paul Frehley:

        Being gay is NOT A CHOICE!!! stop trying to spread awfully retarded views

        It is exactly with this very specific lie and on this ground that thousands of gays were sent against their will into psychiatric hospitals to “rehabilate” them (even with trepanation)in the 50’s…

        Educate yourself.SERIOUSLY.

        READ.read anthropological, sociologicalessays and more important researches on sexuality about this specific topic.educate yourself.REALLY.

      • Lorif says:

        It’s not the same thing. No one is saying gay people can’t eat at Chik-Fil-A. Chik-Fil-A is a private company so it can donate to whatever groups it likes and have views that you may not agree with, in which case it is your right not to eat there.

      • Paul Frehley says:

        Sorry, not buying your propaganda. You want to feel better about yourself buy saying it’s a choice to be gay then so be it. I say it’s a choice and no literature written by people that are homosexual is going to change my mind. It’s a choice.

      • Jenna68 says:

        So, Paul, if sexual preference is a choice, when was the exact moment you chose to be straight?

      • Lucinda says:

        @lafairy–Yes, you are right. Telling people a civil union is like a marriage is the same as the separate but equal policy of racial segregation. Homosexuality is no more a choice than heterosexuality. Or skin color, or gender. Religious beliefs however ARE a choice. You choose to discriminate based on a set of beliefs you subscribe to. Please, let’s call a duck a duck. Chick-fil-a is supporting discrimination and you can choose to support that or not. Until it is finally recognized legally as the discrimination it is, they will be allowed to do so. Just because you have the freedom to do something doesn’t mean you should. Besides, this form of discrimination is not Christian, unless they want to refuse to serve adulterers, murderers, divorcees, thieves, etc. since those all actually violate the 10 commandments, unlike homosexuality. So they may be acting upon their freedom of choice but they are bigots and hypocrites in doing so.

      • Paul Frehley says:

        @Jenna68
        I can’t see how this is so difficult to understand that it’s a choice.

        When you look at a male and then look at a female you MAKE A CHOICE. I want to be with that one or that one. It’s just that simple. But I understand, you need to say it’s a choice to feel better about your decisions.

      • Chattycat says:

        @lafairy…you had me engrossed in your position right up until…your use of the word “retarded”. I am hoping it was just a slip of the tongue in your passion on this subject and not that you think the use of that disparaging word is acceptable and should be accepted.

        The gist of your argument is that you want all people to be equal and not thought less of because of the way they were born…does that include being born with a mental disorder? If so you would be more convincing to the nay-sayers by not using a slur like that again.

      • remotecontrol says:

        @lafairy
        I agree 100%. Could not have said it better myself.

      • Jenna68 says:

        Actually, Paul, I just so happen to be straight, and my being attracted to men is no more a choice than my height, eye color, etc… It’s just the way I am. Just like being homosexual, bisexual, transgendered, etc.. is just the way someone is.

        Considering the way that people like you view and treat LGBTQ people, do you honestly think that it’s a choice someone deliberately makes? That some people consciously want to make their lives a little (to quite a lot) more difficult to lead?

      • lafairy says:

        @Chattycal:

        Sorry for using the word “retarded”, really sorry, I meant backward and english is not my first langage so I used the first word that popped into my mind without thinking much, my bad!

        I do think highly of all human being we are all equals so I am truely and deeply sorry for using a wrong word without checking twice.

        Sorry if I offended you in any way

      • lafairy says:

        @Paul:

        I am not gay by the way, so your whole argumentation based on people defend a point to make themselve feel better falls a little (well totally!) down the toilet!

      • Chattycat says:

        @la…I’m sensitive about mental disabilities because one of my niece’s has Downs Syndrome.

        You have good points too offer so don’t potentially lose your audience for change over the use of a word that many find offensive. 🙂

      • lafairy says:

        @ChattyCat:

        I am now doubly sorry and ashamed.

        Be sure I will never use this word again.

        I send you all my excuses and positive vibes to you and your family.

      • CC says:

        There are very few things about a person that aren’t a choice: race, gender, how you look,sexual orientation, who your parents are, your name, your nationality. All of these are imposed on you.

        The only you can potentially change are your name and nationality (unless you want to look into plastic surgery, but that’s hit and miss) and even those under kild to severe restrictions (especially nationality-you can’t abdicate a nationality unless you have a second one). Hell, even sex reassignment can never make you a complete man or woman (as in a man capable of impregnating or a woman able to be impregnated), only able to be recognized and to look as one, you can’t build sex organs and reproductive cells you don’t have.

      • Chattycat says:

        @la…you’re too funny! Never lose your passion because it takes passionate people to make change happen!

        One sorry was plenty and appreciated. I’ll admit I used that word as well, but as you know when a life event happens (the birth of my niece) and you experience the bigger picture, it’s what makes us see sometimes even though we don’t mean to be, we can be very insensitive with a single word. It’s all good though. If we don’t discuss and share these things, how are we ever going to fix them! 🙂

      • hatsumomo says:

        lafairy, I think you should study to become a little more tolerant. Just saying!

      • lafairy says:

        @hatsumomo:

        I studied and actually majored and did a Phd in a very specific matter in urban anthropolgogy wich is ” gender and sexual opression in modern societies”, so I learned a thing or two you know…

        and I have made a commitment to myself to never tolerate intolerance. Ever. and rejecting other people because their substantial difference and because they are in the minority IS a great intolerance.There should be no opinions or beliefs that could decide and take away other people’s elementary rights.

      • Emily says:

        So, Paul, when did you choose to be heterosexual?

        The fact that you even think it is a choice shows that you’re closeted. I do not have a CHOICE to be attracted to men and only to men — women do nothing for me. If it were a CHOICE, I’d be bi, because women are awesome.

      • flan says:

        @Paul Frehley.

        You talk about propaganda, but this company chose to fund propaganda first.

        So it’s my political choice to never eat there until they seize supporting hategroups I don’t agree with.

      • May says:

        @ Paul, I hate to break it to you, but I think you are bisexual…If you look at a man and think “hey, I could totally have sex/fall in love with that person” and then look at a woman and think “hey, I could totally have sex/fall in love with that person” but choose to have sex only with the woman (if you are a man) it doesn’t make you straight, it makes you bi. I’ streight, I never look at women and choose not to have sex with them, because I never look at women as potential sexpartners.
        Peoples sexuality is who they’re attracted to, not who they actually have sex with…It’s not like virgins don’t have a sexuality for exemple.
        I know this comment is too long and too late, but stupidity irritates me.

      • Ronjuan says:

        I’m a naturally straight male and have a Penis that naturally fits into a woman’s vagina as naturally designed and not into another man’s anus which was naturally designed as a means of waste disposal.

    • Rin says:

      We all have to pick our battles in life and I boycotted Target because of their anti-gay behavior and saw that even gay people will still shopping at Target.

      Now, they want me to boycott a store that has great chicken and treats their employees well.

      I’d rather go back to boycotting Target.

      • flan says:

        Thanks for pointing out Target’s anti-gay stuff. I Googled it and won’t shop there.

        I think the problem in many cases is that people are not aware of it, which is why it’s good that people like you create awareness.

    • Choupette says:

      Agreed. Chick Fil A has always been rooted in their Christian beliefs. It’s why they are closed on Sundays. It’s not a surprise. People can believe that marriage should be between one man and one woman without being some evil, ignorant entity. Who are you to bully people into believing what you want them to? F**K Hollywood.

      • Tiffany says:

        “People can believe that marriage should be between one man and one woman without being some evil, ignorant entity. Who are you to bully people into believing what you want them to?”

        The Supreme Court said in 1967 that marriage is a “fundamental right of man”. The bullying is being done by people and organizations who actively work to legislate away the rights of other citizens. Diagreeing with gay marriage is far different from trying to legislate away the ability to do so. Helms is not being a bully, he is standing up against them.

      • Choupette says:

        Chick-Fil-A isn’t the bully here. The pro-gay marriage stance is 100% “My Way or The Highway” mentality. It doesn’t matter to me if the gay community gets married. Everyone is entitled to happiness, but those that disagree, and use the Bible to make their points, shouldn’t be subjected to witch hunts. Christians shouldn’t have to give up their beliefs because Hollywood says so.

        If Ed Helms and the like really want to stand up for something…try standing up for the pedophilia and abuse in Hollywood.

      • Tiffany says:

        The pro-gay marriage community is not “my way or the highway”. They are not forcing straight couples to participate in gay marriage. They are not trying to deny rights to others.

        There is a difference between being against gay marriage, and trying to make it illegal. You don’t have to agree with something to think it has the legal right to exist. If someone who as against gay marriage was tolerant, they wouldn’t try to legislate away the right for others to be in a gay marriage.

      • flan says:

        Well said, Tiffany.

        Pro-gay marriage people do NOT want to deny marriage to straight people.

        On the other hand, anti-gay marriage people want to deny others happiness. Not because these others want to harm or take something from them. No, simply because it makes them uncomfortable.

        That is what I find hateful about it. And why this is probably the one issue where I’m fully convinced I’m on the side of the Angels.

      • Tara says:

        No, they really can’t. And it’s not just Hollywood that sees that.

      • ZenB!tch says:

        I honestly don’t care enough about gay marriage either for or against to boycott anyone about it. What I don’t like is their religion usurping on my Sunday fast food fix in when I visited the South. They’ve bugged me ever since. They can hire non-Christian workers to work on Sundays. I wonder if they hire non-Christian workers.

        I also know they give to anti-choice causes which is why I won’t support them. We all have our issues and beliefs. I don’t like Sunday = church being shoved down my throat and I don’t listen to what Ed Helms tells me to do either.

        It’s not like we are talking big names here: Ed Helms? Miley? LiLo? I wouldn’t worry about “Hollywood” until someone who my mom has heard of speaks up.

    • LakeMom says:

      Could not agree more!

      • Aubra says:

        Here here!! I love and support my gay freinds and relatives. There is nothing in this world that will make me love/support them any less, EVER! If I choose to still eat there or shop at a certain place then so be it. Doesn’t make somone else who boycotts it better than me and doesn’t make intolerable…

    • Luda says:

      I’m getting tired of this argument. Yes, everybody can believe what they want, but when your narrow-minded beliefs are directly resulting in discriminatory policies across the country, that’s a problem. You are perpetuating discrimination and you are part of the problem.

      So you tell me: what’s right? Is it right to discriminate? Or is it right to support equality for all people, regardless of color, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation?

      • DreamyK says:

        That’s really what it all comes down to, isn’t it?

        Christians and other religions are taught to not judge, to love one another..and yet this sh*t keeps happening. No one is without sin except Jesus, no one holds a higher moral ground.

        Christians decry being persecuted and marginalized and then turn around and do the same to others. Hypocrites. Jesus had quite a few words to say about hypocrites.

      • Elle Kaye says:

        But it isn’t black and white. You are talking about a person’s beliefs. Sometimes our belief systems are diametrically opposed, yet who can say who is right and who is wrong? We may not like it, but it is their freedom to choose. There are those who feel abortion is murder and takes away the rights of the unborn child. There are those feel it is a woman’s right to choose. So who is the bad person? Is there a bad person? If a gay couple wants to get married, then they will get married. Thankfully, we have come that far. And if a person wants to practice the religion they know, they can do that as well. Martin Luther King taught us to strive for equality with peace and understanding. Education is what is needed, not ignorance. Teach people tolerance.

      • Tiffany says:

        Elle, there is a difference between disagreeing with gay marriage, and actively trying to legislate away the rights of other citizens to do so. The Supreme Court said in 1967 that marriage is a “fundamental right of man”. To try and take away that right isn’t simply believing something different, it is trying to force those beliefs on other people.

        (and legalizing gay marriage wouldn’t be forcing opinions on others…as those that do not believe in gay marriage would not be required to be in one.)

      • Chattycat says:

        “You are perpetuating discrimination and you are part of the problem.”
        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

        I wasn’t thinking my #1 without pickles was having such an impact…here I thought it was what politician I voted for and his/her position to change laws that was important. Huh.

      • Elle Kaye says:

        Yes, Tiffany, and by legalizing abortion it told a certain segment of society that we don’t care about your stance on life, it is a woman’s right to choose, not the babies right to live. Of course, I think he is wrong. But bringing people to accept what they have believed is unacceptable takes time. It is commonplace to see inter-racial married couples…it wasn’t all that long ago that it was frowned upon. We do progress, and we will continue.

      • Tiffany says:

        Elle, yes, progress will be made, but I think we have a big difference in how we see things as they are right now. You said, “If a gay couple wants to get married, then they will get married. Thankfully, we have come that far.”

        But we haven’t actually come that far. American citizens are still being denied their rights. In a few states gay couples can get married, but NONE of them are granted the thousands of federal rights that come with marriage because of DOMA.

        I do agree that attitudes about social norms change and evolve over time, and that decades from now people will wonder why gay families were ever denied their rights in the first place. However, while people are still being discriminated against with serious consequences (especially those rights revolving around end of life and parental rights), it is important to stand against injustice.

      • ZenB!tch says:

        It’s right to do what you believe – whatever it is.

        If gay marriage is your issue: boycott them, please.

        If being against gay marriage is your issue: please support them.

        If this is not your issue: ignore this altogether.

        Everyone has different beliefs. Do what you believe and the majority will win out eventually.

        I personally don’t like them because they are anti-choice and close on Sunday which is when I am most likely to get fast food. I also don’t actively boycott them becuase hello? We have one in Hollywood and one in Redondo Beach. When I was in Redondo Beach last, it was of course a Sunday.

        I also don’t like that people on the left seem to make a bigger deal about gay marriage than women’s issues like choice and birth control. The right is very noisy when it comes to being against these issues but the left doesn’t seem to care unless men are involved. I seriously wonder how little traction lesbian marriage would get.

    • Leticia says:

      TXCinderella, I agree with you.

    • Pamela says:

      TXCinderella,
      I respect your right to your beiefs. But I was curious if you have a *reason* why you feel the way you do.. There are lots of issues in the world that people disagree strongly about and usually when I have an opposing view–I can see where the other person is coming from. For example, Abortion. I am prochoice. But I DO understand why the people who are Prolife are Prolife. I respectfully disagree, but I can see where they are coming from. But with gay marriage I just can never understand the thought process for the people against it. I am not trying to be snarky. It is a sincere question. You have a gay brother you love–but you dont think he should be able to get married the same way all your straight friends can? Not to keep comparing it to abortion, but I can understand where a prolife person is coming from. But I guess to boil it down to the simplest terms, I just can’t understand what it is that an anti gay marriage person is so against. Again, please don’t take offense. I am not being snarky. I am genuinely curious if maybe you could shed some light on this.

    • Issa says:

      As much as I dislike bigotry, I also dislike going after peoples throats when they vocalize an unpopular opinion. Banning speech is as an equivalently evil to me as hate speech. Seems like as a country we are going down the road of banning hate speech. A dangerous path for our country when we may fear vocalizing our opinion or religious beliefs. It’s a private company and they do have the right to vocalize their religious beliefs. We as customers also have the right to not eat at their fine establishment.

      • Tara says:

        Responding to Chicalife’s position is not banning free speech; it’s a response. Same thing as blocking Christians’ “right” to deny other people their rights to not worship Jesus Christ is not a persecution of Christians.

      • flan says:

        True, but I’m not sure who you’re attacking here, since nobody said they could not have their own opinions.

        Disagreement or a boycott is not the same as denying someone’s right to an opinion. They are just expressions of an opinion as well.

    • Jag says:

      Not all Christians believe that a marriage should be only between 1 man and 1 woman, so please don’t paint us all with the same brush. I believe that marriage should be between two consenting adults, no matter their sex. I believe this because I don’t think that God makes mistakes, and He made gay people. He also told us not to judge, but to let Him judge, if somehow being gay isn’t biological. (I believe it is.)

      That company has a right to say its beliefs, and as many have said, I have the right to take my business elsewhere.

    • chaser says:

      WTF – Christans and ‘gays’ aren’t a mutually exclusive race.

    • Fudgesicle says:

      My brother is gay and just married his partner of 14 years. Mazeltov, guys! Love you! Chik-fil-A, suck a dick.

  8. spugzbunny says:

    This week we heard all about the major face palm that is the US Scouts. I can’t believe that hasn’t had more coverage on here or celebrity support for the campaigners?

    I would personally like go hit the organisation upside their head.

  9. Holl says:

    Im sorry but I like Chick Fil A and probably won’t stop eating there. Its the only fast food restaurant that is consistently clean inside and the food taste better than your other chain places. Plus in this town its either Churchs, Bojangles, or Chick Fil A so other than Bojangles sweet tea, its the only fast food I’ll eat at if we’re on the road. Unless I happen upon a Sonic. Then all bets are off. Love me some limeade.

    I’ll take my politics to the polls since thats the way to really make a change. Chik Fil A is just trying to prevent the inevitable anyway and they will fail.

    • The Original Mia says:

      Yep. Boycotting them won’t work. There are still going to be plenty of people going there. Go to the polls and vote.

      • flan says:

        Wish they did the same.

        But since they don’t, I’m not going to fund them. I’d rather cook at home than give them even a dime to spend on this.

        It’s healthier anyway.

  10. marie says:

    Maybe it’s just me but their stance on this isn’t shocking, it seems pretty obvious. They are a hard-core Christian based company, and are not even open on Sundays because it’s the day of rest.

    I’m not saying I agree, I have no problem with same sex marriage, I’m just wondering how everyone didn’t already know? I mean you really needed Ed Helms to point this out to you to make you aware?

    • atlantapug says:

      I agree completely.

      How did you not know this already? It is a Christian, faith-based company!

      There are plenty of other coporations that support things that I find vile. I’d also be willing to bet there are tons of coporations that support politicians/beliefs secretly that you will never know about.

      For example, I won’t shop at WalMart because of their policies in driving family businesses out of town and withholding health insurance to employees and getting them on welfare instead.

      I just think that this was a case of stating the obvious and Ed is clearly looking for some self promotion.

    • SnarkySnarkers says:

      I live in the south and theres a Chick-fil-a on every corner. I really thought it was common knowledge that they’re a Christian based company. They’re closed on Sundays for godsakes! (pun intended)

      It irks me but at least they are being up front about their stance. I can get fried chicken lots of places in the south. Publix fried chicken is nothing to sneeze at.

      To those who are shocked by Chick-fil-a, you might also be shocked to know that those mildly annoying “bell ringers” for the Salvation Army are also anti-gay as well as pro-life. Im friends with a lesbian couple and they are well aware of Chick-fil-a’s stance and eat there anyways. Sorry Chick-fil-a, apparently eating anti-gay chicken sandwiches doesn’t change your sexual orientation.

      • MorticiansDoItDeader says:

        @snarky, I don’t think most people realize that The Salvation Army is a religion that does charity and not just a plain old charity.

    • cr says:

      Most people don’t pay attention to this stuff, unless it hits the news (sweatshops, slave labor, etc). And even then might ignore it.

    • Masque says:

      I didn’t know any of this. I’m sure there are plenty of people who also didn’t know about Chick’s business practices.

    • hatsumomo says:

      Thats what Im saying! Its incredibly obvious and they dont hide or try to mask their beliefs-everything is put out there and what you see is what you get. Shouldnt have to take some vain hollywood actor to point it out.

      On a side note, I work with a woman who is gay, I mean, a very large, butch who wears her hair in a crew-cut shaved style and dresses as a man but still looks like a girl. In addition to our work, she’s also a manager at a Chik-fil-A and has no problems working there. She tells me its a great place and she likes her co-workers. I just dont see any reason for tolerance shrews to get their panties in a bunch over this policy.

  11. Ank says:

    I’m just constantly suprised at how behind the US are when it comes to eqality.

    Bless europe.

    • atlantapug says:

      @@

      Yep, we’re all a bunch of racist bigots and Europe is just singing and holding hands.

    • Micki says:

      Indeed.LOL
      But I find it irresistible to read Celebitchy because the cultural diferences and the way of thinking fascinate me.Sometimes reading the answers is better than the actual article!

      • lafairy says:

        Totally!!I also enjoy reading the comments for the exact same purpose. And it is very instructive on how huge the cultural difference is on some matters and besides it is totally entertaining!LOL!

    • Ed Zacharias says:

      Haha, Europe is the most racist place I’ve ever set foot, and I used to live in Arkansas for pete’s sake.

      The USA has black, asian, and hispanics in positions of high power in entertainment, industry, the military, and the government.

      Europe is dominated by a white power class that wants to keep other races ghettoized.

      Wake me up when someone of North African descent becomes President of France.

      • lafairy says:

        I am french… and with North African descent, and there are some actual members of the french cabinet who are from north african descent.

        Sure, there are some hypocrisy towards people from north african descents BUT nothing that can stop you to have a succesful position in life and I can take my whole family (grand-parents, cousins,step-cousins, etc.) as an example.

        and besides we were talking about being gay…imagine in France if a company would oppenly state that they chose to support and provide for anti-gay rights associations how bad it would be, it would start really really bad drama…

      • littlemissnaughty says:

        …. *sigh* Europe is a continent, why do people act like it’s one country and one culture? It’s like saying that the US, Canada, and Mexico are all the same. It’s ridiculous.
        Sweden and Italy aren’t the same, neither are Spain and Poland. “Europe” is not racist and neither is it liberal. It’s a frickin’ continent.

      • Ed Zacharias says:

        That’s because not only is Europe dominated by racists, you also don’t have free speech there.

        Like I said, wake me up when “enlightened” countries like France elect a non-white President.

      • lafairy says:

        @littlemiss: exactly Europ IS a continent with dozens of diffrent countries

        @Ed Zacharias: I gave you my experience first hand, Geing from north african descent myself but you are just insincere and want absolutely your point to be a valid one, my whole family is very succesful in their respective fields and we do have in France member of the cabinet who are from non-white descent and member of the parliament as well as judges, lawyers, head of companies so yes there never was a non-white president but France is 90% white so it is not an element one can take to prove some discrimnation.

        But whatever since you want so bad to think that France is a ‘racist’ country even when a French from immigrant descent gives you a glimpse from her not -really- segregated life…

    • Shannon says:

      Some of the most racist people I have ever met were in Europe. They’re blantantly racist though…not undercover racists like some in the US.

  12. Kaboom says:

    Biblical definition of the family unit? Which would be dad, his wives, kids and the house slaves? Selling daughters into servitude?

    No wonder people don’t want to keep eating there.

    • seVen says:

      +1

    • PrettyTarheel says:

      A Jez poster had a great .png about the biblical definitions of marriage, and all the different people who were involved in non-traditional marriages, especially in the OT (hint: it’s a lot of them). That being said, as a Christian and a supporter of gay rights, I have a strong conviction that if you are gay and a Christian, then you have a responsibility to honor God in your life, and you have to do that to your convictions. However, taking religion out of it…EVERYONE should have the right to get married in the eyes of the state. Marriage is a legally protected state, and those engaged are afforded additional benefits not afforded to those not participating, and to deny it to someone on the basis of their sexual orientation is discrimination. Christian, Muslim, Jewish, or any other religious principles are not in play.

      This is the problem with many “Christians.” They would like to believe that their religious beliefs dictate how the government should treat everyone, and it’s just not true. Christians are expected to obey the governments laws (rendering to Caesar), and the government is supposed to afford everyone equal treatment.

    • Shannon says:

      Thank you!!!! I am not a religious person – spiritual, sure, but I’m confused how people feel they can just pick and choose what they want out of the bible. A friend of mine is going through some major drama with her sister-in-law in which a lawsuit is necessary but her husband said “well, the bible says you shouldn’t sue your brother”. Despite the fact their daughter is suffering because of her negligence. So I did ask, “Well, if he’s willing to observe that over your daughter’s ability to have a future, I’m assuming he will also be burning you alive? Or beheading you? Or sending himself to hell for having tattoos?” She didn’t reply.

      I support a person’s right to believe anything, but I hate when people cite the bible or religious values as the basis. Leviticus said some pretty horrible, brutal things that conveniently people want to neglect. If you’re going to interpret something literally, interpret everything literally. I don’t find it remotely ok to say in one sentence “the bible says being gay is wrong, so i oppose gay rights” but then say “I think slavery is wrong and I support civil rights” (I’m assuming we all know the bible references slavery many times, correct?). It’s hypocritical, and you shouldn’t be able to have it both ways. I would have way more respect for someone who simply said they were anti-gay just because they didn’t like the thought of it, or whatever…just be honest, don’t pretend you’re following some divine doctrine.

  13. Masque says:

    This is the first I’ve heard about any of this and I’m very disappointed that Chick-fil-a doesn’t even try to hide how anti-Jesus they are. How can they claim to be followers of Jesus and still promote bigotry?

  14. Chattycat says:

    I’d rather have a Chic-fil-a over McD’s burger anyway. It’s a private enterprise that can donate its money to whoever it wants and people can choose to boycott because they don’t take their same position (shoulder shrug). This is a story why? Do gay people care that they are closed on Sunday’s? Sorry, I support the gay community but come on, pick your battles better, because you know what they say…when you whine about everything eventually people stop listening.

    Oh and Ank, yes us here in the US are thousands of years younger then many other cultures around the world. Just like all you Europeans had growing pains so do us Americans … we are only a few hundred years old after all.

    • Micki says:

      I’ve read your comment after posting mine.No offence meant on my part but let me explain my position.
      I think that US gives very inhomogeneous picture when it comes to religion and subsequently sex.On one hand you have the biggest sex industry and the other hand films with some sex (even tastefully made and fitting the concept) are R-rated. But the ones with bombs and flying extremities and bloodbaths not so much.Gives the impression sex is something to be ashamed of but then again it’s pouring bad sex onscenities from everywhere.
      The sexual prudishness caused one swiss family(that I know of) to turn back home after their 13-years-old son was arrested because he lifted the skirt of his little sister!
      Here in Europe what may earn a shrug, there a wachful neighbour called the police.Parents came home and found no children!Called the police themselves…I find this so over the top!

      If Mr.Helms sees his gay rights offended it’s up to him to go somewhere else.That’s complete non-story in my eyes.Just the way you talk about it makes it so exciting.

      • Chattycat says:

        Hi Micki…no offense taken whatsoever.

        As a society, us Americans are still growing…as humans we ALL continue to evolve regardless of the age of our culture. That we can all communicate globally and share our views/feelings/beliefs regardless if they differ from others in this day and age is awesome yes? 🙂

    • Isabel says:

      Seriously? Why is it a story?

      Here’s why: gay marriage is a very public, very volatile issue, and when a large and popular commercial chain makes a bold statement against an entire group in society, that group deserves to have knowledge of the issue so that they can choose to spend their money at places that align with their beliefs.

      It’s another large, public platform. If Chik-fil-a wants to use their public status and popularity to take a stand against gay marriage, the gay population is also entitled to use that stance to their advantage.

  15. Aubra says:

    They say that they don’t give money to anti-gay organizations. So if anything, I would love to see a lawsuit to cool down some of the contreversy…if that’s true that they’re being accused of something that isn’t true…

  16. Vera says:

    It’s hard to boycott a place I don’t eat at. I don’t even know of one in Northern California. I’m sure there is one, but between Sacramento and the Bay Area I’ve just never seen one. But then, I don’t eat meat, so I’ve never looked for one…

    I think the president is entitled to his opinion, but bringing the company in is a bit much.

    • Esmom says:

      We don’t have any near Chicago either, in fact I’ve barely heard of the chain. But this reminds me of what recently happened with the Chicago Cubs. The patriarch of the family that owns the team has quietly been giving millions to anti-Obama PACs. City residents (this is Obama territory) went apeshit when that was revealed, especially as the family was whining that they needed public money for renovations to the ballpark.

      The kids of the guy who donated the money, who really are the ones who run the team, tried to distance themselves from him…it was a mess. Seems that business and politics are a volatile mix.

      • laylajanelovesgossip says:

        Yes, there is a Chick-fila in Chicago. (hangs head in shame) I was there 2 weeks ago. ButI won’t be back!!!

        30 E Chicago Ave
        (between State St & Wabash Ave)
        Chicago, IL 60611
        Neighborhood: Near North Side
        (312) 266-8888
        http://www.cfawatertower.com

  17. Jayna says:

    I support an indivudal’s right to their beliefs, but when a company actively supports a cause I don’t believe in, then I have the right to still frequent them or not. I don’t really understand why a company would donate to such a cause when they serve the public. I would think the president would donate individually and/or the board members. Why bring the actual company into significantly donating to the cause against gay marriage. It doesn’t make sense to me. But it’s their right; just as it’s every consumer’s right to not frequent the fastfood restaurant because of their stance.

    But I don’t think this will hurt them in the long run, because when people are hungry and driving down the road, they will stop in. I’m sure I would on the highway or in the neighborhood if it was one of the few options because I like some of their food above other fastfood restaurants and love their lemonade on a hot day.

    • lucy2 says:

      I agree with this, the part that bothers me (aside from, you know, the bigotry) is that he’s not speaking personally, it’s the whole company, and the company that makes the donations. That’s a whole lot of people he’s speaking for – upper management all the way to the guy who sweeps up at night. If I owned a business that served the general public, I would keep my personal beliefs out of it.
      I’ve always known they were owned by a religious family, and actually think being closed on Sundays is kind of a nice thing for all the employees, but actively trying to deny rights to others is a different story.

    • RTR_Girl says:

      Keep in mind that Chick Fil-A’s president, Dan Cathy, is the son of Truett Cathy, the company’s founder. It is a privately held, family company, not a publicly traded corporation. As such, they are far more likely to stick to their beliefs than bow to pressure from outside forces, change things to pacify board members/ stockholders, etc. Like you said, this is not going to really hurt them anyway. This is a hugely successful corporation.

  18. Schnauzers!!! says:

    I like Chick Fil A…it’s my husbands favorite fast food. We don’t eat fast food often, but I see no reason to stop eating there because of their beliefs.

    I continue to eat at places that support Obama, so based on this arguement, I should boycott those places too.

  19. Chris: now with 10% less negativity says:

    But wouldn’t drawing attention to their anti-gay attitudes just encourage more conservatives to go there?

  20. AnneOriginal says:

    Ugh, Chick Fil A. I originally never ate there because they were not in my state. Then they started opening locations in my state, fortunately that was when I became aware of their bigoted stance, and never went there on principle.

    Besides, they are not open on Sunday, and that is the one day I tend to crave fast food.

  21. garvels says:

    Yeah,lets boycott this company so even more people are out of work-NOT!

    I can’t stand the boycott strategy. It hurts many innocent people who really can not afford to lose their job!!!!!!!!!

    • AnneOriginal says:

      That is rather a straw man argument.
      The company is choosing to openly express a bigoted point of view. They know full well that this could lead to some people choosing not to buy their food, and go elsewhere. They are not being forced to express these views. By doing this, they are in affect saying that they don’t care if they lose business and if it harms some employees who may lose their job.

      It is completely different than when a company is the victim of the actions of another. Like several years ago with Wendy’s. A woman chose to commit fraud by lying about the finger in the chili. Because of her lie, people stopped eating there, and many people lost their jobs. What happened was not the result of any action on the company’s part.

      • Elle Kaye says:

        Not necessarily, Anne. Do people really believe that they only hurt the owners of Chick-Fil-A when they boycott? What if business slows and they lay off workers? Then suppliers are effected, and then the farmers. Tax dollars are no longer infused into the local economy, and the out of work people may become a drain if they cannot find work. No, it does hurt innocent people.

      • garvels says:

        Anneoriginal

        Then using your rationale, people who find the leftist philosophy repugnant and bigoted should boycott the Hollywood entertainment industry…since Hollywood is the Leftist’s mother ship?

        I have friends who actually will not contribute one single dime towards anything that is produced by Hollywood. They seem to be just as passionate as you with regards to your intolerance towards someone with a different view point. Intolerance only builds walls and does nothing to advance the dialogue. Boycotting solves nothing…it just makes both sides angrier!

      • AnneOriginal says:

        @ Elle Kaye

        Did I ever say that innocent workers would not get hurt? No I did not. I said was a straw man argument to directly blame anyone who boycotts because of the policies of the company.

        The reason it is a straw man, is because there are people who don’t go there anyway because it is not local, they are vegetarian, don’t like the food etc. Are those people to blame if people get fired? No, of course not. So to say that anyone who decides to not eat there because they support civil rights.

        The company chose to act this way, and as a result is responsible for anyone who ends up out of work because of it. Whenever a company makes a business decision that is controversial, they are opening themselves up to a public reaction. All of that is on the company, it is wrong to blame anyone who boycotts.

        People have the right to choose where to shop and buy goods from based on the policies of that company.

      • Elle Kaye says:

        @ Anne,

        And if you boycott, then you are responsible as well, not just the company. You know the consequences, you are not an innocent. You know that those people have no control over what their employer does, yet you would make them pay with their jobs because of their owner’s ignorance?

      • AnneOriginal says:

        @ Ella Kaye

        Seriously? Using that argument, all consumers are thus required to buy goods and services, or be held accountable for people losing their jobs. You are flat out telling people, that they need to use their own hard earned money to buy from a company that is intent on supporting groups that are infringing upon the civil rights of other people. Denying consenting adults marriage and benefits etc, is a gross civil rights violation. And it leads to actual human suffering.

        Your argument does not hold any water. The company is responsible for any job or profit loss from their decisions.

    • Isa says:

      I agreed.

    • Tiffany says:

      Garvels, your argument is based on the idea that Helms or whomever boycotts Chick-fil-A will not go to another establishment to eat. Moving your business from one company to another doesn’t hurt the economy over all.

      Honestly, that was a bit of a scare tactic that you appear to be using.

  22. Cathy says:

    They have every right to believe what they want, and I have every right to believe what I want. So I believe I will not give them my business.

  23. Sports Gal says:

    I haven’t had Chick-Fil-A in over a year after learning how much money the company (not the Cathy family personally) donated to organizations supporting Prop-8.

    I respect Truett and Dan Cathy’s right to have their own beliefs, but I respect my right not to allow my money to be used to fund hate causes.

    That said – I once had Chick-Fil-A on a Sunday covering the Chick-Fil-A Bowl in Atlanta. It was like a little victory over mankind …

    • Kelly says:

      Exactly! I don’t care what the Cathys believe and, personally anyhow, I wouldn’t boycott a company for management’s politics or values. But in this case, money from my pocket is ending up with hate groups (and all I got was this lousy chicken sandwich), directly at the hands of the corporation (vs. contributions made directly by the Cathys from their paychecks).

      And cheers for getting Chick on Sunday! But why were they holding the Chick-Fil-A Bowl on Sunday, anyway? Shouldn’t they have requested a different date?

  24. littlemissnaughty says:

    True, they can do whatever they want. So can consumers. You know who can’t? Gay couples. They can’t get married because of other people’s beliefs. And that’s where the “to each their own it’s a free country” argument fails. Because if your beliefs take away other people’s rights, that’s a problem. Not to mention the fact that being gay is not a belief.

    But sure, the fact is that they have every right to be for “traditional marriage”. Good for them. I have the right to find that ridiculous and bigoted.

    • Chris: now with 10% less negativity says:

      Indeed. Why should religious values be imposed on society when not everyone is religious?

      • Chattycat says:

        “Why should religious values be imposed on society when not everyone is religious?”

        BECOMES

        Why should gay rights values be imposed on society when not everyone is gay?

        BECAUSE

        We all have free will to own beliefs and values. Such is human nature.

      • Beatrix says:

        …happy to see these kinds of comments.

      • lucy2 says:

        Chatty, in my opinion there is a difference between rights and values.
        Values differ for each person, but rights should be equal for all.

        Those trying to impose religious beliefs on society want everyone to follow their religious beliefs whether or not everyone believes in the same thing, or anything.
        This is very different than same sex couples who simply want the right to be legally married. They are not telling everyone they have to marry someone of the same sex. They are not demanding that every person approve, that anyone changes their values or beliefs, or that every church participate. They simply want the government to acknowledge their rights the same as a heterosexual couple.
        At least that’s my understanding of it anyway.

      • Chattycat says:

        Lucy…I don’t really disagree with you but what I do realize is that this issue, as with so many others, is not so simple…it’s not an on/off switch fix. Change takes tolerance, and it takes time to build up tolerance. 🙂

      • videli says:

        Sorry Chris, this is for Chattycat bellow: throwing truisms at a problem is not going to solve it. It’s probably make you feel like a (pseudo)sage though

      • Chattycat says:

        Well now Videli…perhaps I am more of a sage, even if in your estimation a “pseudo” one, since I am clearly not as judgmental, intolerant and petty as SOME people are to others when expressing a difference of opinion.

        At least YOU didn’t refer to me as a KNOW-IT-ALL, because we know how obnoxious THEY can be to deal with.

      • L says:

        @chatty

        The problem is that gays are not trying to foster their beliefs on anyone. If gays were saying “this is our definition of marriage”. And then try to force everyone to do it. You can only marry someone of the same sex. You can only adopt if you are married to someone of the same sex. Going to court etc.

        What gays are saying ‘we love each other and want to be a committed relationship. We want the legal benefits’ and then they go and get married. You don’t have to like them. You don’t have to talk to them. They aren’t trying to change your mind to accept them. They aren’t saying you have to like the gays. They just want the same legal rights and the ability to be in a committed relationship. In a private way that doesn’t affect you at all. It is people like this guy from Chic fil a that are saying ‘no. we have decided it means this.’ We will make you do what we believe.

      • Chattycat says:

        @L

        I agree with you. I believe in gay marriage, I have no issues with it at all.

        Chris made a very blanket statement about the issue so I gave another very blanket statement scenario from those who do not believe as WE do.

        However, regardless of how I feel, the CEO of this PRIVATELY held company can gift money anyway he wants just like if you want him to have less money to gift then don’t eat there. I just don’t see what the big story is here. There are bigger forces at work holding back gay marriage acceptance then Chic-fil-a that’s for sure.

      • videli says:

        Chattycat: Whether or not you agree with my standards of conversation is irrelevant (it sure is for the issues gays have to face). Dishing such statements as ‘thus is the human nature’, ‘change takes time’, or ‘let’s agree to disagree’ is an exercise in vacuity. You haven’t said anything, you haven’t contributed anything. It is the equivalent of politely sipping our tea, or rolling a fat one.

      • Chattycat says:

        @Videli “You haven’t said anything, you haven’t contributed anything” jeez I was thinking the same exact thing about your comments.

      • Elle Kaye says:

        But Lucy, the climate in our society today almost dictates animosity. We get our cues from Washington. There is no respect whatsoever on either side of the aisle. Civil discourse seems an ancient memory and respect is out the window.

        When dealing with tradition, it takes time, but I believe we will get there if people are patient. Yes, it would be idyllic if everyone, everywhere were treated equally. We are far from that. But we make strides. It just takes time…and aspirin.

      • Tiffany says:

        Cathy, “Why should gay rights values be imposed on society when not everyone is gay?”

        Gay rights values aren’t being imposed on anyone. If you don’t believe in gay marriage, you dont’ have to participate in one. That is vastly different from trying to legislate away the rights of other citizens. A person can disagree with gay marriage without trying to make it illegal.

    • Ed Zacharias says:

      Meh.

      You can be against the legal redefinition of marriage without being a “hater,” right?

      I mean, don’t we all know plenty of people who are cool with gays, but still think that the government should only recognize one-man one-woman marriages?

      I do, and I can disagree with them and make my case without accusing them of being motivated by hatred. Because they aren’t. They’re motivated by tradition and what they think is best for children and society.

      At any rate, if I’m supposed to keep track of every single political stance by every single commercial enterprise I do business with, umm, yeah, no thanks.

      • littlemissnaughty says:

        It’s hard to tell who’s motivated by what but the outcome is the same. Which is why I don’t really care why a company or an individual is against same-sex marriage. Hatred, bigotry, ignorance … none of it is great and always results in the same thing. Trying to deny certain people their rights. That doesn’t mean I think they’re all horrible human beings but that’s not really the point. Trying to do the right thing (for your kids, etc.) doesn’t mean someone is actually right.

        And the “but what about my children???” argument is so exhausting. I’m pretty sure a parent who thinks two people of the same sex shouldn’t be married will find a way to teach their kids that it’s wrong and that they should be against it, no matter what the legal situation is. Hell, as if the legality of things has ever convinced anyone with strong beliefs.

      • videli says:

        How in the world would gay marriage harm children? How in the world would you accept folks who in the name of tradition would actively limit rights for others? Slavery was a strong tradition, wasn’t it?

      • stinky says:

        @EdZach: EXACTLY. we’d all save alot of money if we stopped trading w/ companies w/ opposing politial agendas. newsflash – it’s not possible. you’d have a new fulltime job trying to ensure your money stays out of the hands of “whoever”. yawn.
        @lucy2: “theres a difference between rights and values” … true, thank you.

      • Vicky says:

        Videli and Stinky +1

      • Ed Zacharias says:

        “Hatred, bigotry, ignorance . . .”

        So, any person who disagrees with you on the issue is either a hater, or a bigot, or just plain ignorant?

        How “tolerant” of you.

        Geez, with an attitude like that, it’s a mystery to me why the gay marriage proponents have lost 32 elections in a row.

    • Masque says:

      This was beautifully written.

  25. heidi says:

    Let people follow the beliefs they choose. It’s hypocritical to yell “tolerance” when you’re intolerant of others right to exercise free thought

    • Masque says:

      Yes but this isn’t a tolerance issue, it’s an equal-rights-for-ALL-Americans issue. Chick-fil-a is saying they do not believe all Americans should have equal rights.

    • lucy2 says:

      No one is stopping them from having their beliefs or thoughts. Some are just disagreeing with them. There is a difference.

  26. Masque says:

    Sidenote: If this Dan Cathy guy (or other Chick bigwigs) get busted in a gay sex scandal I will laugh myself silly.

    • Marie Antoinette Jr. says:

      Yes! My firm belief is that when someone says “being gay is a choice” it is because they personally have made that choice. In other words, they are gay, ashamed of it, and have chosen to deny it. There is no other rational explanation.

  27. Pants says:

    This reminds me of how Curves donates a portion of their membership fees to anti-abortion causes. Giving them business is giving them the opportunity to, in essence, use your money to support their causes, whether you agree or not. You don’t have a choice to “opt out.” I’ve never tried Chick-Fil-A (I’m in NYC, I don’t think they have them here), but seeing this, now I know I never will, unless they change their policies.

  28. QoFE says:

    Boycott because fast food is bad for you.

  29. oxa says:

    Is Chick-Fil-A a private company or are it’s shares publicly traded and do they get a tax exemption for their bigotry?

    • PrettyTarheel says:

      Private company. My husband and I looked it up. You know, since I’m a woman, I’m allowed to have a husband, a right that many people in this country are denied.
      #equality

  30. lucy2 says:

    I don’t think it’s fair to say Ed Helms is “calling for a boycott”. He isn’t. He sent out one tweet saying that he personally won’t be a customer any longer because he disagrees with the policy. That was it. He’s not demanding everyone join him, staging a protest outside a restaurant, or telling the company and owners to change their stance. He’s just stating his position, that’s all.

  31. Jacq says:

    As a Christian, I whole-heatedly support the teachings of the bible. I also believe that being gay isn’t a choice, that a lot of people have fought their feelings and believe anyone who says it is just the way they are. I don’t think that God would create people in a situation for which they will forever be damned from the start. I believe that gay couples should be able to marry and give loving homes to both adopted and biological children. If religions don’t want to allow marriages in the church, a legal wedding outside of the church is fine by me. I dot understand where Christians get off preaching oppression & intolerance. The WHOLE POINT is that God is the judge. No one is without sin, or in a position to point fingers at anyone. Christians who try to impose their beliefs on people in such a negative way need to stop and look at themselves and the un-christian example they are setting.

    • Dibba says:

      Jacq,
      thanks for demonstrating that not all religious people are monsters. Many, if not most, are in fact the opposite and are getting bad rap because of a few vocal, crazy “christians”.

    • videli says:

      Thank you.

    • lucy2 says:

      You and I are on a very similar page, Jacq. Good post.

    • PrettyTarheel says:

      This. It took my husband and I years to find a church where we could feel comfortable because of our “liberal” beliefs. We finally found one that preaches that gay, straight, sinner, saint-your role is to honor God in your choices. There is a higher power and there is a higher plan, and H8 for anyone is not part of it. Rabid, anti-gay crusaders are not following what Christ taught.

    • Sisi says:

      amazing post

      I’m not religious, and when I read negative comments from Christians about subjects such as sexual orientation I just cannot understand why those commenters don’t believe they way you do. It truly baffles me. Like you said; God is the judge, and mankind /= God.

  32. Anahata says:

    Chick fil a is not the problem. I agree if you really want to rock the boat you have to aim higher. Our federal government needs to change marriage laws for the gay community nationwide and now. Also, while we’re at it – what about McDonald’s notorious hiring of companies that propagate vicious cruelty toward animals?

  33. Dibba says:

    Disappointed because I like the place, but I will try not to go there anymore. Tired of all the hate, to me its a big deal. Like what if Chick Fil A was against civil rights back in the 1960’s? Somethings are not just political views but are a deep moral affront such as this.

  34. Dibba says:

    Perhaps there are people out there who hate gays running to buy food there now. I don’t want any of MY money going to hurt other people. The CEO is an idiot for bringing politics into his business. Why doesn’t he just deny gay rights in his off time?

  35. TXCinderella says:

    @lafairy, don’t put words into my mouth. What I meant was gays have a right to believe that they should have the right to marry. Get off your soapbox!

    BTW, I BELIEVE that you are born gay. So there.

    • lafairy says:

      You said that Chick-A can express their beliefs just like gays can express their beliefs; so you classified being gay as a belief.

      I answered to that very specific point.

      And please don’t be familiar,we don’t know each other from Adam.

      • PrettyTarheel says:

        To further Ms. Fairy’s point, there are a LOT of straight people on this bandwagon as well. It’s not a matter of “gay” beliefs, but of a group of Americans (no offense to all the other nationalities on here, but it’s primarily a US debate at this point) who strongly believe that no one should be the target of legalized discrimination on basis of sexual orientation. I’m straight, but I still believe gay people should have the right to get married.

    • lafairy says:

      You said that Chick-A can express their beliefs just like gays can express their beliefs; so you classified being gay as a belief.

      I answered to that very specific point.

      Otherwise try to not be too much familiar with people you don’t know. because it’s not like we know each other from Adam, you know?

  36. stinky says:

    let it be known, no queer will stand between me and my #4 spicy combo meal. i get pissed each time it happens to be a sunday and i drive over there & the place is closed. i dont believe that everyone who’s bashing their food has really eaten it… they’re just hating on “fast-food” in general. Chik-fil-A is tasty and thats-that. u can boycott till the cows come home (heh-heh) but evil empires abound in our capitalist culture. pc outrage nauseates me.

  37. kat says:

    “…NOH8 — supported by stars like Miley Cyrus, Lindsay Lohan and the Kardashians — has also called for a Chick-fil-A boycott.”

    Shoot. Now my morals and ethics are all tied up and twisted on what to do. 😉

  38. Lurkeelee says:

    Being allowed to get legally married is not a human right. There are guidelines on who can get married. For instance, a man cannot marry five wives. A man cannot marry his sister or in some states a first cousin. A man cannot marry a girl who is under the legal age. A man cannot marry another man. In most states marriage is still between one man and one woman who are not related and both of legal age or parental consent. Gays already have human rights in the US and the rest of the Western world. They have the right to be treated equally for employment, education, housing, health care, etc., and if they are not, they can sue. A gay person can live with whomever they like, can make that person POA or a legal guardian should something happen to them if they have legal documents filed accordingly. I know there are different opinions on whether gay marriage should be legal or not, and all are entitled to their opinions. However, all the people calling marriage a human right are incorrect and it diminishes those in the world facing serious human rights issues.

    Having that said, it is odd a corporation gets involved in this type of thing. It is everyone’s right to not eat there, boycott the place if you like as it’s a free country. I will say, they have really good waffle fries and with the boycotts going on, there should be less people in line.

    • stinky says:

      heee

    • PrettyTarheel says:

      Two problems with your argument:
      One is that some dumb*ss signed in DOMA, which allows states to invalidate the marriage performed in another state, which is unconstitutional and a violation of states’ rights. Driver’s licenses, marriage licenses, and birth certificates issued in one state are valid in all 50, and a license for two men to get married should be no different. This is a gross oversimplification, but based on your viewpoints, I felt I needed to keep it simple.
      Second problem:
      By denying same-sex couples the rights to the legal protected state of marriage, you are denying them the legal benefits on basis of their sexual orientation, which is discrimination. This is different from not allowing a man to marry this sister (denial on the basis of incest), an under-age woman (denial on basis of statutory rape) or a goat (denial on the basis of bestiality).

      • Lurkeelee says:

        The legal benefits of marriage were originally designed for the protection of biological children or widows with kids. The mormons with the sister wives would have a better argument for their right to marry. Anyway, my comment was specifically addressed to those on this site stating that marriage is a human rights issue, not to those who simply think gay marriage should be legal. Also to point there are others who do not have the legal right to marriage either. I am sure the mormon men with multiple partners think their human rights are being violated as well, but they are not. There are women being stoned in the streets of some countries for being accused of adultery. There are children working in child sweat shops. There is slavery going on to this day. There are people who are falsely imprisoned, etc. Those are human rights issues. I clearly stated it is your right to believe gays can marry as everyone has their opinion. I’m not sure why you felt the need to be rude by saying you need to keep it simple or whatever, but that is the case on these sites I guess. You are right to say it should be legal in all states or none. I think a national vote should be done on this issue. BTW, I did not mention anything about goats in my post. 😉

      • Kate says:

        Nice post. The dumba@# was Clinton who signed DOMA into law in 1996. I would also add that support for gay marriage, although growing, breaks largely along age lines, those under 35-40 in favor and those over 40 (and particularly over 60, etc.) against. Unfortunately for all of us, old people vote and because of it, politicians are gutless to enact any real change on this (and many other) issue(s). It is going to take some more time to cycle out some of the antiquated thinking.

      • PrettyTarheel says:

        Discrimination IS a human rights issue. Violation of constitutional rights IS a human rights issue.
        No, it’s not an issue of food, water, or shelter. But it is an issue of personal liberty, which is, in many individuals’ minds, a human rights issue.
        As for the goats, my point was that you’re using the arguments of incest and statutory rape in comparison with homosexuality, which is ridiculous.
        Also, personally, I have no issue with bigamy, polyamory, etc IF entered into willingly. At the end of the day, I believe in personal responsibility and choice.

      • PrettyTarheel says:

        @Kate-yeah, I knew it was Clinton, but there was tremendous political maneuvering that went on behind the scenes. It’s such an un-Clinton-like piece of legislature, and I regard it as more of a stain (hee) on his presidency than anything he did on the blue dress.

    • Joh says:

      You have a right to be wrong.
      If it involved you in any way you might feel differently.

    • Tiffany says:

      “Being allowed to get legally married is not a human right”

      The Supreme Court says you are wrong. In 1967 they said that marriage is a “fundamental right of man”.

  39. the original bellaluna says:

    “At the heart and soul of our company, we our a CHRISTIAN family business” is how that statement should have read. (Umm, why do you think they’re closed on Sundays?)

    And I have never eaten at a Chick-Fil-A, because they treated close friends of mine horribly: after he had completed their courses (out of state, away from his family); after he went through all their rigmarole to be “approved;” after they had sold their home and relocated so he could run a Chick-Fil-A; they CHANGED THEIR MIND and ended up opening one within bike-riding distance of the home they sold. (He found another job.)

    Now that doesn’t sound very Christian, does it?

  40. Natalina says:

    I think Ed Helms needs to come up with better things to do…

    • TheOriginalMaxi says:

      hahaha, when I saw his statement I couldn’t stop laughing. I pictured him or his publicist calling up E and going “I have an important story, Ed Helms will not eat at Chick Fil A”

      That’s what I like to imagine happens when celebrities call news outlets lol

  41. Memphis says:

    And this is surprising how?!

    I mean they are a Christian company after all. Is it really so hard to believe they follow what they believe to be biblical law? Really?

    I’m still going to eat there… mainly because I like the nuggets but also because I HATE the ‘boycott this and boycott that’ mentality.

    How about you just do you, and stop telling me where I should and shouldn’t eat.

  42. DetRiotGirl says:

    Does anyone here watches RuPaul’s Drag Race? Willam did an awesome parody video about the whole Chik-Fil-A situation to the tune of “hold on” by Wilson Philips awhile back. It’s pretty great: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO-msplukrw&feature=youtube_gdata_player

  43. kc says:

    @Helms LOL about the gay chickens.

    FYI — Helms only says he is going to boycott the store, he is not calling for a boycott.

    It makes me so sad sometimes to realize that in 2012, in this country with so many blessings, we are still arguing over human rights. Really.. if anyone wants to tackle the challenges of marriage — have at it!

  44. SundayBrunch says:

    Up until the 1970, homosexuality was considered a mental illness, it was in all the psychology books. If you view it as such, so many things make sense from a religious point of view: each of us has an exam in this life. My exam, for example, is living with severe depression (another mental illness), wanting to commit suicide – suicide is a sin according to all religions, so I pass the test if I DO NOT ACT ON IT. Same with homosexuality. I believe that the holy books do not have something against feeling / being gay (just like no sane person would hate a depressed individual), but they have a problem with acting on it (giving in to the sin).

    • LittleMissSunshine says:

      Holy cow. Maybe you should rethink your stance. This world is better off without narrow-minded, ignorant sheep like you in it.

      • SundayBrunch says:

        Did you actually say that the world would be better without me in it? I should not argue with an evil person, but here:

        How exactly am I a sheep? Am I following someone in a crowd? And what narrow minded? I gave a lot of thought to this, I read and read and I am generally an analytical person and came to this conclusion. You can not call a person that does not share your beliefs narrow minded – the one whose mind is narrow is the one that does not accept that others have different views. Like you.

      • LittleMissSunshine says:

        Sunday, I wrote my comment in anger, and I am sincerely sorry for it. It was a terrible thing to say and I wish I could take it back. But to call homosexuality a mental illness, you have to understand how offensive that is.

    • Joh says:

      Homosexuality is no longer considered
      A mental illness for a reason,
      Google it because you are very incorrect in you thought process

    • Joh says:

      Homosexuality is no longer considered
      A mental illness for a reason,
      Google it because you are very

      incorrect in you thought process

  45. common sense says:

    why should I or anyone with any intelligence can what this or any other actor thinks?

    if you don’t like it don’t go…

  46. mewmow says:

    So, I have a question. Because someone doesn’t agree with how someone else, their company is boycottEd? Until when? They agree? I think that is bullying in it’s finest and it disgusts me! Everyone should be able to state how they feel! 🙁

    • cr says:

      Free Speech: You get to say what you want. I get to respond, it may be a boycott. My boycotting you is not a violation of your free speech. I’m not preventing you from saying or doing anything.
      And yes, it’s a way to affect change, but why is that bullying?

  47. Gary says:

    I agree with the concept that everyone has a right to her opinion. What if
    Chik-Fil-A promoted anti-Christian, anti-black, or anti-Hispanic? Is it not permissible to publicize the fact and let people decided with their feet and their money? Chik-Fil-A still has a right to express its opinion, and can be a home for like-minded people.

  48. Johnny says:

    Oh, shut the hell up, Ed! If you want to boycott a private company, go for it….and in the future, stick to acting!!

  49. TK says:

    Is it just me or is this a damned if you do damned if you don’t scenario? If your against gay rights, people who are for gay rights bash and bully you into submission, and if its the other way around its exactly the same thing.
    The word ‘tolerance’ is thrown around a lot and it seems that religious organizations AND gay organizations aren’t practicing what they preach. Hmm.

    How about this: Gay people go be gay and straight people, you go be straight. Everyone shut up and go get some ice cream.

  50. LittleMissSunshine says:

    I’m shocked by how many people won’t give up Chick Fil-A because it tastes good or is convenient. Would you still feel that way if the corporation opposed mixed-race marriages and gave millions of dollars to preventing blacks from marrying whites? Which used to be illegal in this country until people protested and changed the law. Discrimination against gays is no different from racial discrimination, and anyone who “supports gays but doesn’t think they shoulf get married” is a bigot, plain and simple. If you think otherwise, you’re deluding yourself.

    • Johnny says:

      Where does it say, “They don’t serve gay people”?

      • LittleMissSunshine says:

        Where did I say they don’t serve gay people? They’re donating millions to fight against civil rights. That’s the issue. If they were donating money to support Jim Crow laws, that would be racial discrimination. Donating money to fight gay marriage is sexual orientation discrimination.

      • Johnny says:

        …and as a privately held company, it is their RIGHT! Just as it is your right to boycott them. I am certain they will not feel it!

    • Ed Zacharias says:

      Your hysterical argument is severely flawed.

      Anti-miscegenation laws resulted in government agents barging down people’s doors and arresting them for being married to each other. It was a violent use of force to keep one ethnic group elevated over another.

      That has exactly nothing to do with the present situation re: gay marriage. Gay men marry each other every day here. They live together and raise kids together.

      So no, Chic-fi-la’s stance is not akin to that of the Klan. sorry.

      • Tiffany says:

        Ed, you fail to recognize the thousands (literally, thousands) of rights that come with the legal act of “marriage”. It informs how your family is treated in regards to health benefits, retirement, medical decisions, children’s issues, divorce, property ownership and inheritance, etc.

        If “marriage” was simply a religious institution, there wouldn’t be an issue. As it is, marriage is a contract that combines two estates, and has great impact over the decisions and rights that govern that estate.

      • Joh says:

        Sorry, but they are.
        If it really mattered to you you would see it.
        But it doesn’t and you don’t.

      • Ed Zacharias says:

        Er, as it happens, my wife and I are a mixed-race couple, and our daughter is a lesbian, so you’re wrong on both counts.

        In fact, I recently attended my daughter’s wedding. In North Carolina, where you all seem to think gay marriages are “banned.”

        Funny, I was there the whole time, and I don’t remember any SWAT teams bursting in and hauling the lot of us to prison.

        With respect to the argument about how married couples basically get more welfare from the government, the easy response to that is to privatize marriage.

        And Tiffany, you’ve been oversold about those “thousands” of wonderful government-granted goodies that go to straight married couples. Nothing that can’t be solved with a contract and a notary public.

        Marriage existed as an institution long before any governments showed up to start disbursing welfare and forcing people to live a certain way.

        The bottom line is, if you folks truly wanted to win people over and enact state-sanctioned gay marriage, you would do well to not scream “OMG I HATE YOU BIGOT” at anyone who disagrees with you.

        But it seems it’s much easier for you to pat yourselves on the back for being so “tolerant,” living among all the bigots you get satisfaction from denouncing.

      • Tiffany says:

        Ed, I wasn’t talking about free government “goodies”…I was talking about rights. Go ahead and bury your head in the sand while other citizens lives are profoundly changed for the worse because of discrimination. Marriage is a unique legal relationship that can not simply be duplicated with a notary public.

        It has NOTHING to do with welfare or forcing people to live a certain way, and by asserting such you are showing your deep ignorance on what marriage means in the eyes of the law.

      • Tiffany says:

        Oh, and I don’t see anyone saying “OMG I HATE YOU BIGOT” in this thread. If you need to use hyperbole to make a point, perhaps you should rethink your point.

      • PrettyTarheel says:

        @EdZach:
        The problem, and the reason it is such an issue, is that with our current legal structure, same-sex marriage can be “not recognized” by another state. They don’t have to bust down doors-they can invalidate the marriage legally. For example:
        I got married in North Carolina. I used to live in TN, and now live in SC. Because I am married to a member of the opposite sex, my marriage license, issued by the state of NC, is valid in all 3 states. However, if I were in a same sex marriage and got legally married in a state that issues licenses to same-sex couples (Vermont, for example), other states could fail to recognize my marriage license, and refuse to grant my spouse the same privelages a spouse of opposite sex would receive.
        Congratulations on your daughter’s marriage? What state issued her marriage license? In North Carolina, same-sex marriage was banned in May, 2011. So while your daughter may have had her ceremony in NC recently, I’m very curious as to how it was deemed a legally protected marriage, if she was unable to obtain a license from the state.
        Or is your argument that the state should be completely uninvolved in marriages? If that’s the case, we’re left with the church presiding over marriage, and I think we can all see how well that’s going to go.

      • Ed Zacharias says:

        Tiffany, I assure you I am well-versed in the law, and yes, there is plenty of hatred and accusations of bigotry being thrown around on this board, by gay marriage proponents.

        Sorry, the government cannot take away “thousands” of my daughter’s “rights” because she married another woman.

        She’s living a happy, fulfilled life, and her mother and I are thrilled for her.

        We wish the law was changed, and we’re free to make our case on that, but she was not raised to go running to the government for approval every time she made a life decision.

        And frankly, the gay marriage activist groups are screwing up royally with their messages and their tactics. If they took my advice, then things would change.

        But hey, no one wants my advice, so keep doin what you’re doin, then in November you can wonder why you’ve lost 36 statewide elections in a row, from California to Maryland.

      • Ed Zacharias says:

        @Tarheel.

        Thank you.

        But again, I think we’re using conflicting terms here.

        You say the North Carolina government “banned” gay marriage.

        I say it didn’t.

        You say “they” can “invalidate” my daughter’s marriage.

        I say they can’t.

        My daughter, her wife, our friends, families, loved ones and well wishers got together for a wedding ceremony. Vows and rings were exchanged. Pledges of lifelong fidelity were repeated. The whole shebang was wrapped up with prayers and a helluva party, with some of the most beautiful scenery on God’s green earth (countryside near Brevard, NC) as the backdrop.

        So, they are married, are they not?

      • PrettyTarheel says:

        I think we’re arguing the definition of marriage. I see marriage as twofold: 1)Spiritual- the joining of two lives in matrimony, a full partnership on both sides, entered into willingly and with complete intention of sharing a life together and 2)Legal-the legal state of marriage, with all the protections, benefits, and rights afforded to the participant in that marriage.

        If you’re discounting the second definition, then this argument is pointless. What I’m arguing is that there should be a legal right for your daughter to be issued a license and to enter into BOTH definitions of marriage-not just the spiritual one. It isn’t fair for anyone to be denied the legal right to be married on discriminatory grounds.

      • Lucky Charm says:

        Er, Ed, are you sure you were really in North Carolina at a legal wedding?

        “North Carolina does not legally recognize any same-sex union, including civil unions and same-sex marriages. A state constitutional amendment was voted into effect on May 8, 2012, banning same-sex unions and defining marriage between a man and a woman as the only valid “domestic legal union” in the state.[1][2] Before passage, state law had already restricted marriage to a man and woman in statute §51‑1.2.[3] The constitutional amendment bans not only same-sex marriage and civil unions, but could end the legal recognition of unmarried opposite-sex couples in domestic partnerships.[4] Some cities in the state recognize both same-sex and opposite-sex domestic partnerships. According to 2010 census data, there were 228,000 North Carolina couples in domestic partnerships and 12 percent of those were same-sex couples.[1][5]

      • PrettyTarheel says:

        As a side note, what a small world. My parents went to Brevard High School, I still have family in Brevard, and I got married at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. Simply a gorgeous area.

      • Tiffany says:

        Ed, you are in denial. Marriage as a religious ceremony is completely different from a legal marriage.

        To name a few things, they legally can’t create a family partnership, they get no spousal survivor, retirement, or death benefits. Immigration benefits are denied. No estate tax portability, can not create life estate trusts, etc. Maybe your family hasn’t had to deal with these and other issues yet, but they will. And your daughter will be taxed at a higher rate than other married couples, and in many states will be denied the ability to adopt children. If they have children, it can be very challengning in many states for both parents to be given the rights that come with being a parent.

      • Ed Zacharias says:

        Yes, yes, as you parse into the issue of licenses and legislative statutes, you see the distinctions I’m getting at.

        Yes, it was a perfectly legal marriage. I mean, know one’s going to be arrested about it, right?

        Now, does the government of North Carolina grant their stamp of approval on the arrangement? It does not.

        But that doesn’t make them any less married — not in the eyes of anyone who matters.

        To sum up, Tarheel, I only recognize your first definition.

        Religious orders came up with the whole marriage gig, and then governments came along to appropriate it for their own purposes, which seems rather unjust to me.

        And as far as licenses goes, well, let’s just say our family considers them overrated.

        My wife styles hair for folks lucky enough to find her. She did not pay the state-mandated fees and state-mandated schooling necessary for a state-issued “license” (shh, don’t tell). The only license she needs is a paying customer, the way we see it.

        so, while she’s not a “legal hairstylist” when it comes to a batch of bureaucrats in the state capitol (not sayin which one), I assure you she’s very much a hair stylist.

      • Tiffany says:

        Well said, PrettyTarheel.

        Ed, no, the state of NC and the Federal government would not say your daughter is married.

      • Tiffany says:

        “Religious orders came up with the whole marriage gig, and then governments came along to appropriate it for their own purposes, which seems rather unjust to me”

        Marriage was originally a transfer of property, and to ensure that a man’s children were his own. Only in the most recent modern times did it have anything to do with affection. It was only around the 8th century that religious groups started to influence marriage.

      • Ed Zacharias says:

        Tiffany, the point continues to elude you.

        What “the state” says about my daughter’s marriage is more or less irrelevant.

      • Tiffany says:

        Don’t flatter yourself, Ed. I hear your point, but it exists in hypothetical-land. I think marriage should be a purely personal thing that has no influence on a person’s tax rate or rights, but that is not the world we live in. Thousands of state and federal laws dictate that our citizens are treated and taxed differently based on their marital status.

        If you daughter or her “spouse” ever owns property, becomes ill, has children, or makes income while she is not legally married, it will have a great impact on her life. I hope she gains legal equality before it has a negative impact on her and her loved ones.

  51. JessSaysNo says:

    CFA has a right to be anti-gay. We have a right not to patronize a bigoted company. Simple and easy. I love CFA but I will not be back…

  52. Newtsgal says:

    People want to boycott CFA, when Target is far worse about their anti-gay sewage!

  53. Reece says:

    This exactly why I do not, have never nor apparently will ever eat at Chick-fil-A. Along with their anti-non Christian religion stance.

    Just to give an opposing example, In-N-Out. The family that owns In-N-Out burger here out west is VERY Christian. They actually have bibles verses stamped on the packaging for their food. But never have I ever heard of anyone working there during or after say any thing about them discriminating against someone because of orientation or beliefs. Not once. I will continue to go there.

  54. Joh says:

    Fast food is fat food. I’m just saying.
    Jesus luvs “chikin” more then spelling apparantly.

  55. Lucky Charm says:

    Maybe I should open a business and donate money to anti-Protestant groups, since being a Protestant is a choice, and one that I don’t agree with. 🙂

    But I am curious about this comment: “…they support “the biblical definition of the family unit.” – WHICH definition, exactly, are they supporting? I’d like them to be more specific in their reasoning than simply saying “Oh, the Bible says so!” because that’s no different than your mom telling you “Because I said so, that’s why!”

    I’ve never eaten there, anyway. There aren’t any in my area, that I know about.

  56. shannon says:

    Meh. I am completely in favor of gay rights and gay marriage. But I work for a huge company (which I would loooove to boycott, frankly, because they suck). And when we get our 45-minute lunch break, our lunch option if you don’t want to leave the building (with 45 minutes, why bother? It takes 5 – 10 just to badge in and badge out of that place), you get a choice of bringing your lunch, vending machines, or if it’s Tuesday or Thursday, you can grab a Chik-fil-A sandwich.

    It’s a huge relief to me, on those days, to not have to fix a lunch for myself (in addition to the lunches I’m making for my sons). Me, boycott? I’m not Ed Helms, I don’t work on a catered television or movie set. I’m very liberal, but I love how these liberal celebrities live in a bubble thinking we can just support causes the way they think we should, with no regard for how our lives actually work.

    • PrettyTarheel says:

      I would think that your protest would have more meaning, simply because it is an inconvenience. If you’re deliberately choosing discomfort, or extra effort, to avoid financially supporting a group who has made their political views clear, then that has meaning. To you, to those who are watching to see if you practice what you preach, it means more to see you make a choice that is in line with your beliefs, than it does when Ed Helms does. He can afford to make that choice and not feel anything beyond a slight pang at the loss of the diet lemonade.

  57. mewmow says:

    Has anyone talked about what Oreo i doing? Where’s the post on that? Or is everyone scared to express their own feelings so as to not offend anyone? Look up Oreo and rainbows. Regardless of how you feel, keep politics out of my Oreos! 😉

  58. ellis says:

    As a gay person, I’m actually less upset by their beliefs than the fact that they seemed to be flip-flopping to suit the crowd at the time. They can believe what they want, even if I don’t agree with it, and people can feel how they want about their beliefs. That’s the tough part about being a public entity. When you give money to someone to support blocking any groups rights (gay, black, christian), you have to take responsibility for it, though. Backpedaling just makes you reprehensible.

    As another note to everyone saying ‘who cares what this actor has to say?’, who cares what Chick-Fil-A has to say? They have different beliefs, and neither of them are more or less valid than the other. Personally, I just don’t go to Chick-Fil-A because I think it’s… well… not great food.

  59. Leticia says:

    Seems like some people are being as intolerant as they are accusing ChickFilA of being.

    • Chattycat says:

      @Leticia…of course you’re right…that is what has made it so entertaining on this thread today, particularly the obvious hypocrites! lol

    • shannon says:

      Thank you! Personally, I rarely boycott on the basis of politics. I don’t care how the person installing new breaks on my van feels about anything, I just want him to get the job done. I don’t care how my sons’ teachers feel about anything other than a love of children and a good grasp on what they are teaching.

      I don’t ask the guy who comes to fix my air conditioner how he votes or feels about gay marriage or what his religion is. It needs to be something far more offensive than just saying once sentence with which I disagree before I will boycott. To me, that’s just silly.

    • Tiffany says:

      That is a cop-out. It is one thing to disagree with gay marriage, it is another thing to actively try and legislate people’s rights away. (The Supreme Court said marriage is a “fundamental right of man”).

      The person who disagrees with gay marriage but allows others to participate in one if they chose, is tolerant. The person who tries to write into law that another person can not have legal rights is not tolerant.

      No one is forcing non-gay couples to participate in gay marriage.

  60. the original liv says:

    i’ve actually never been to a chick fil a, but i have had their sandwiches and sweet tea (high school had chick fil sandwiches in the cafeteria and i had the sweet tea when i went to my friend’s house) and i wasn’t that impressed. never felt compelled to go there, even though they send out free sandwich coupons to my house all the time. if i’m going for fast food, i pick in n out over chick fila any day.

    anways, i’m surprised that people are surprised by this. chick fila has always been a christian company – they’re closed on sundays! plus, they gave a LOT of money to prop 8 supporters.

  61. Moi says:

    I don’t doubt this. My daughter who’s 15 (she has a work permit), went to apply for a job at C-F-A and they are so super strict about who they hire. Must be a church going teen (or whoever), they have to be in certain organizations in school, have a high GPA, etc. the GPA wasn’t an issue and my daughter is even a junior counselor on Church mission trips, but she didn’t like all of the restrictions they put on their employees. It was to be her first job and the thought of working there overwhelmed her. Chick fil A needs to loosen up a bit IMO.

  62. Hypocrits says:

    I think people are a bit hypocritical in general and tend to go with the popular flow.. not all but some. If it was unpopular to be pro-gay marriage, then you wouldn’t see celebrities and many people take the pro-gay marriage stance. What people say and how they really feel are not always the same. How many things would you think but not say? There is a bit of peer pressure out there to believe a certain way and it’s sad. Any celebrity who voiced an unpopular belief would not be in many movies. Do you think all of them at the top are really pro-gay marriage? No, but they are not stupid enough to shoot themselves in the foot. I am not against gay marriage to tell you the truth… as long as something isn’t hurting anyone, why not. But I still believe everyone should be able to have a voice and not be lambasted for it.

  63. It's their business says:

    Your daughter shouldn’t work there if she feels uncomfortable. But to tell you the truth, Chick Fil A is one of the only fast food restaurants I can go to, and feel respected by those workers. They don’t just throw the food in your face. I am not saying that they should place so many restrictions, but for the love of God, can there be some decent standards like: 1) treat the customer with respect (since this is why you’re here, because of the money the customer spends here). 2) Speak intelligible English 3) Have some pride in what you’re doing. Actually, In-N-Out is also pretty good with that. But McDonald’s, Del Taco, Carl’s Jr… ugh. Guess I shouldn’t eat fast food.

  64. Issa says:

    According to Biblical marriage? You mean having multiple wives much younger than you so they can bear as many children as possible? If Christians really want practice Biblical marriage, you need to enter into plural marriage with an older man.

    • Jordan says:

      I think they mean incest since it started with Adam and Eve, who do you think their children had sex with?

    • Emily says:

      And that man owns you, just as your father who handed you off to him did. Though homophobes almost always seem to think the husband should own the wife these days too.

  65. Audrey says:

    At the end of the day, we all choose where we spend our money. Our money talks (seems to be the only language our politicians know these days). I choose not to give them my money. It’s good food, but I have principles, therefore sometimes I sacrifice my desires for fatty, salty, UNHEALTHY food. Do any of us really need the 700+ calories that come in a chick-filet sandwich?

  66. Lee says:

    More chikin for me…….

  67. Peanut Gallery says:

    One upside to horrible people like C-F-A’s management are the creative responses smart people make. To wit: here are three dulcet-voiced drag queens covering Wilson-Phillips’ “Hold On” with new lyrics.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO-msplukrw

  68. Jordan says:

    I had already stopped eating there b/c of this. I wonder if they know what the bible says about hypocrisy. They are more than willing to take gay people’s money and simultaneously deny them their civil rights. They should just go all the way and place signs on their doors that say “No gays allowed.”

  69. Emily says:

    They do not have a “family-friendly” atmosphere. Non-heterosexual people have families.

  70. kibbles says:

    I take an active stance of shutting out people and corporations that do not support basic human rights. Myself and a friend of mine who is African but supports gay rights, conscientiously stopped being friends with two Africans who agreed that it was okay for gays to be imprisoned and even executed in their countries because their lifestyle goes against the Bible. We have a cordial working relationship with them, but we do not hang out with them.

    Unfortunately, there are millions of people on this earth who still live in the Stone Age when it comes to religious and personal beliefs on sexuality, gender, etc. The only way to get rid of this mindset is to boycott and shun these people just as if they were openly racist.

    The same goes with restaurants and stores who don’t see gays as fully human. I am not going to scream at the top of my lungs and make a big deal over the President’s statement. He has a right to his opinion and I have the right not to give him any of my money so he can use it to give it to bigoted hate organizations.

  71. Newmrs says:

    This is not surprising. The company has always promoted conservative christian beliefs. Its freedom of speech. As long as they arent discrimating against gay/lesbian employees or customers then whocares.

  72. Lindy says:

    Working my way through all the comments. But just thought I’d chime in. I grew up in Georgia eating Chick-fil-A, and I have always loved the occasional fix. Of course I always knew they were owned by an evangelical Christian family, but when I was growing up it never bothered me–I was an evangelical Christian myself, after all.

    Now, 20 years and a PhD in philosophy of religion later… I still love Chick-fil-A, but will no longer be eating there or bringing my kid there. Ever again. Too bad, I guess. They are welcome to be intolerant and support injustice if they wish. And I am welcome to take my business elsewhere.

  73. barbara Morrison says:

    What I want to know is if there are any gays in upper management at Chik fil-a or any executives?

    • the original bellaluna says:

      Not bloody likely. Prospective franchisees/management go through a very extensive “qualification” process. They require references; interview your family, pastor, fellow church members; review your finances; you attend several week-long (or weeks-long) training sessions/retreats (some with family, most without); etc…

      And even when you’ve qualified, sold your house, relocated your entire family & life to the location; they can still back out on you.

  74. evadstructn says:

    The institution of marriage is flawed, sexist and archaic.Marriage socially and economically privileges those who are in binary, monogamous long-term relationships – marriage is discriminatory against those who do not conduct their relationships in this “traditional” way. I would rather the state deregulate marriage all together than see it begin to regulate same‐sex marriage.

    • PrettyTarheel says:

      You and EdZach up there need to get together and start a grassroots movement to deregulate marriage.

  75. Marvin says:

    I am a Christian and for me God’s law is above any state law. I am proud to say that I am anti-gay.

    • the original bellaluna says:

      Respectfully Marvin, God’s law also says “Judge not lest ye be judged,” “Love thy neighbour as thyself,” and “Vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord.”

    • Joh says:

      Back in the prayer closet Carrie and
      Marvin

  76. Marvin says:

    And yes, I will from now on boycott Oreo cookies. So much sugar is not healthy for us anywas. To each his own…

  77. Miah says:

    It doesn’t matter if your gay. Just stop acting like the spoiled little kid that doesn’t get the toy he want’s to play with. It’s not just the company your effecting. Employees are there to make money, to support there families. People don’t stop and think about that.

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