Is Chick-fil-A Anti-Gay?

Published on Friday, January 28, 2011, by James Norton / Edit Post

The not-so-small fast-food chain Chick-fil-A (nearly 1,500 locations in the U.S.) is getting into a bit of hot oil over its stance on gays. Change.org ran a post this week that digs into the chain's charitable arm (the WinShape Foundation) and that group's affiliation with so-called traditional Christian values—manifested here as opposing gay marriage and fighting against that famous, terrifying, somehow still-relevant "gay agenda."

The chain's links with anti-gay groups are both numerous and a bit hazy, but they seem to boil down to friendly relations with groups such as the hard-right Family Research Council and Focus on the Family, both noted for their anti-gay activism.

The whole story (as it has unraveled on Change.org, the GLBT activist site Good As You, and in a profoundly uninspiring "everyone [presumably including gays] is welcome to spend their money here" video statement made by Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy) is kind of messy. It seems to come down to this: Chick-fil-A is a company that is and always has been deeply fired up with a conservative Christian outlook.

That outlook seems to involve a number of charitable good works and not being open on Sundays, but also seems to involve working with groups that in turn work tirelessly to ensure that gays don't get to enjoy equal rights as American citizens and human beings.

The whole thing, of course, is messy, and directly recalls the infamous Target Corporation "giving a pile of money to an anti-gay-rights candidate" debacle of 2010.

In both the Chick-fil-A and Target cases, the companies in question thought they were doing something good—supporting pro-Christian groups or backing a pro-business candidate for governor. But in both cases, the companies overlooked the fact that by supporting groups or people who (for example) oppose gay marriage, you pretty quickly get labeled "anti-gay." And that, subsequently, "anti-gay" is a label that sticks and has some negative economic consequences.

Image source: Flickr member Mike Licht under Creative Commons

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COMMENT

  • This subject has become too heated, so we are closing the comments. Any further comments posted to this story will be removed.

    Deborah from CHOW

  • If a business aligns itself with a political organization it must accept the inevitable backlash of doing so. If Chick wants to sell food, so be it. If Chick wants to make a political statement while selling food, accept the public response and stand by your position. Or, as Chick has reportedly done, drop your political position and go back to selling food... minus your political agenda.

  • @Gouche....I was not denegrating to anyone....I was only responding to the comments of the people who got degegrating towards people who expressed their honest opinions and that didnt happen to be gay....and as far as staying on topic....If CHOW didnt want to hear comments contrary to0 the Homosexual side...they shouldnt have posted this as a question....It was obvious there were going to be two...+READ

    @Gouche....I was not denegrating to anyone....I was only responding to the comments of the people who got degegrating towards people who expressed their honest opinions and that didnt happen to be gay....and as far as staying on topic....If CHOW didnt want to hear comments contrary to0 the Homosexual side...they shouldnt have posted this as a question....It was obvious there were going to be two sides to this topic...but obviously only one side is allowed to be heard...-COLLAPSE

  • Look, the comments got axed—a lot of people's, mine too, not just yours, @aloosaag—because the mods considered them to be denigrating the commenters themselves, not just debating the merits of the article. And, let's face it, they were—again, mine too. I accept that.

    And this one may as well, but it could also be helpful: for the record, @aloosaag, you said you were new to Chowhound. As a...+READ

    Look, the comments got axed—a lot of people's, mine too, not just yours, @aloosaag—because the mods considered them to be denigrating the commenters themselves, not just debating the merits of the article. And, let's face it, they were—again, mine too. I accept that.

    And this one may as well, but it could also be helpful: for the record, @aloosaag, you said you were new to Chowhound. As a longtime poster I can promise you you'll have a lot of comments of deleted and even risk getting banned from the boards if your words are deemed 1) hurtful/offensive 2) off-topic. That's true for everyone, not just you. Taking it personally to the point of bashing the site isn't going to help.-COLLAPSE

  • Wow...can a CHOW staffer post some commenting guidelines? There must be a way to discuss a topic like this--and yes, as opposed to some, I do believe it is appropriate to a site like this to discuss questions involved in the ethics and politics of the food business/industry--without it dragging down into this kind of horrible bigoted speech. CHOW may not want to take a position of LGBT rights,...+READ

    Wow...can a CHOW staffer post some commenting guidelines? There must be a way to discuss a topic like this--and yes, as opposed to some, I do believe it is appropriate to a site like this to discuss questions involved in the ethics and politics of the food business/industry--without it dragging down into this kind of horrible bigoted speech. CHOW may not want to take a position of LGBT rights, but really, some of the hate-filled anti-gay ranting here is getting really out of hand. Instead of just deleting comments wholesale, how about a public posting of guidelines that, you know, warns people against things like equating gays with Nazis? That is the kind of thing that will quickly start to drive traffic elsewhere.-COLLAPSE

  • Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council are opposed to just about every social or political transformation that has occurred since 1950; gay rights is just their most profitable issue. If you're a woman who likes living in the 21st century instead of some June Cleaver fantasy land, you should avoid corporations that support these organizations.

  • STLLifer - the chains are easy. Just Google their political donations. You'll find 99% of them give a ton to Republicans so they can continue to fight against organics, liveable wages and reasonably affordable healthcare. And they want immigration control with a loophole that allows them to keep their Mexicans.

  • As a gay man, obviously I find it offensive that people would use their money to support the oppression of my community. As an educated and rational person I find it mind boggling that these sorts of attitudes and frankly bizarre beliefs exist at all any more. Of course there will always be bigotry, but it strikes me that only homophobic bigotry ever gets dressed up as a legitimate set of beliefs...+READ

    As a gay man, obviously I find it offensive that people would use their money to support the oppression of my community. As an educated and rational person I find it mind boggling that these sorts of attitudes and frankly bizarre beliefs exist at all any more. Of course there will always be bigotry, but it strikes me that only homophobic bigotry ever gets dressed up as a legitimate set of beliefs or reduced to a personal difference of opinion.

    I simply can not comprehend how a person can hold that someone is committing a sin, condemned to eternal damnation, is intrinsically disordered and presents a threat to families and western culture because they are attracted to their own gender and because the bible did tell them so and not consider themselves bigoted. Generally, if you have those sorts of thoughts about someone you are unlikely to be lauded for your all encompassing world view.

    If gay and lesbian groups that you know of are deploying violence at pride parades or in any other way then you should report them to the police and avoid using it as evidence of your own prejudices, as it is plainly obvious it is in no way representative of the tactics employed by politically active equality activists gay or straight.

    I have never heard of Chick-fil-A (I'm an Aussie living in London) but it sounds like an appalling company that no right thinking person would purchase goods and services from. Yes I do understand that we make purchases every day from stores and companies where the level of liberal mindedness from the owners may be less than our own and they may hold views that we disagree with. I don't see how it follows that is ethically the same to knowingly doing so.-COLLAPSE

  • I applaud those of you that will no longer give Chick Fil A your business. In fact I think you should take it a step further. From now on you should quiz your server at any restaurant on what their stance is on gay marriage, abortion, jews, blacks, gun control, white middle aged males, etc. If those views differ from yours you should promplty walk out. Actually, are you aware what your doctor,...+READ

    I applaud those of you that will no longer give Chick Fil A your business. In fact I think you should take it a step further. From now on you should quiz your server at any restaurant on what their stance is on gay marriage, abortion, jews, blacks, gun control, white middle aged males, etc. If those views differ from yours you should promplty walk out. Actually, are you aware what your doctor, dentist, auto mechanic, or everyone else you pay for goods or services stance is on all social and political issues are? Afterall any of those people could be taking the money you pay them and turn around and donate to any number of nefarious groups or organizations. Sure it may take 10 or 20 restaurants before you find an exceptable server that has your exact same values but it will be worth it.
    Oh, I forgot, you'll need to interview the busboy, cook, dishwasher, manager, and owner since some of the money you spend goes to them as well. God forbid if it is a chain restaurant, you'll need to interview the whole board of directors and stockholders as well. I would imagine after you review about 10,000 restaurants you might find one where all of the criteria are met. Hope you aren't too hungery, this might take awhile.-COLLAPSE

  • Great for Chik-Fil-A. A great thriving business that stands for something, and is not afraid to be politically incorrect or not. At least they have convictions and stick to them. I am so tired of people thinking life isn't fair, and feeling entitled. This country and the constitution was based on a set of morals and values. If you don't like it, then leave. If you don't want to leave then live by...+READ

    Great for Chik-Fil-A. A great thriving business that stands for something, and is not afraid to be politically incorrect or not. At least they have convictions and stick to them. I am so tired of people thinking life isn't fair, and feeling entitled. This country and the constitution was based on a set of morals and values. If you don't like it, then leave. If you don't want to leave then live by the guidelines and values that this county was built on and quit trying to bully your way into changing the morals this country was built on.-COLLAPSE

  • My goodness, that's some seriously heavy-handed excising of posts; with the standards so opaque, the editing looks arbitrary.

  • While it wouldn't surprise me to find out that their admittedly Christian owners find homosexuality sinful, I haven't heard of them discriminating based on sexual orientation. All of the political/religious/social issues aside, they do make a damn tasty chicken sandwich. Besides, they are one of few chains that has Dr. Pepper and Diet Dr. Pepper which should be enough to absolve them of all sins...+READ

    While it wouldn't surprise me to find out that their admittedly Christian owners find homosexuality sinful, I haven't heard of them discriminating based on sexual orientation. All of the political/religious/social issues aside, they do make a damn tasty chicken sandwich. Besides, they are one of few chains that has Dr. Pepper and Diet Dr. Pepper which should be enough to absolve them of all sins even if the sandwich and waffle fries don't!-COLLAPSE

  • How to express my lack of surprise. Chik-fil-a has never been secretive about their strong reliance on the personal religious belief system of their founder. Not shocked if that included the usual anti-gay religious rhetoric. Nice thing about it, everyone gets to vote with their dollars. Don't like? Take your dollars elsewhere. Personally feel if they want to put their agenda out there and take...+READ

    How to express my lack of surprise. Chik-fil-a has never been secretive about their strong reliance on the personal religious belief system of their founder. Not shocked if that included the usual anti-gay religious rhetoric. Nice thing about it, everyone gets to vote with their dollars. Don't like? Take your dollars elsewhere. Personally feel if they want to put their agenda out there and take the consequences, so be it.-COLLAPSE

  • Consequences?!

    Up until now the only consequences of eating at Chick-fil-A has been a severe case of the runs. Course mom and dad *did* teach me about the dangers about all that grease, but, you'd think I'd listen?

  • Wait...I was under the impression Chow was a website about food. Not gay rights. I really wish articles here would stick to food, because other than the company being a fast food chain (which is barely food), this has nothing to do with food.

    My personal feelings about gay rights, gay marriage, etc...aside, people are allowed to have their own opinions. That's why it's a free country. If people...+READ

    Wait...I was under the impression Chow was a website about food. Not gay rights. I really wish articles here would stick to food, because other than the company being a fast food chain (which is barely food), this has nothing to do with food.

    My personal feelings about gay rights, gay marriage, etc...aside, people are allowed to have their own opinions. That's why it's a free country. If people want to be anti-gay, that's their right. It doesn't make them evil or closed minded. Closed minded is telling people they shouldn't/can't believe.

    Face it. Corporations are run by people. Some people are anti-gay or pro-gay. Those beliefs will oftentimes extend to business policies, practices, who they partner with, political backings, etc...

    Just like the anti-gay folks can back anti-gay politicians, pro-gay folks can back pro-gay politicians. It's not a one way street.

    There are a few places around where I live that actually discriminate again non-gays just like there are the opposite. Discrimination and hatred in ANY form is wrong. You can still love someone without agreeing with their choices.

    The Bible tells us to hate the sin, not the sinner. Any Christians out there saying God hates gays needs to read their Bible.

    Definitely typed more than I meant to. I started out just intending to say how dumb it is that there's an article completely unrelated to food up here.-COLLAPSE

  • This isn't a "hazy" situation. Chik-fil-A's corporate offices and charity wing specifically support groups and legislation targeting gay marriage. They held events which didn't permit gay couples. They are a Christian-oriented company that is most certainly anti-gay. That's their choice. It's also my choice not to buy their products and give them money.

  • Curious as to why everyone keeps referring to this money as "their" money (as in the company's money). Where do you think that money comes from? If you're the one eating there...

    You are supporting the cause by spending your money there.

  • Well chick-fil-a is free to spend their money how they please and I'll do the same with mine. No more trips to Chik-fil-a for me. I'll miss this chicken strips and waffle fries something fierce but I won't miss indirectly supporting a cause that discriminates against gay people and their families.

  • The New York Times published a bit more insightful look into this yesterday:

    http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/30/us/30chick.html

    A key passage: "Over the years, the company’s operators, its WinShape Foundation and the Cathy family have given millions of dollars to a variety of causes and programs, including scholarships that require a pledge to follow Christian values, a string of Christian-based...+READ

    The New York Times published a bit more insightful look into this yesterday:

    http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/30/us/30chick.html

    A key passage: "Over the years, the company’s operators, its WinShape Foundation and the Cathy family have given millions of dollars to a variety of causes and programs, including scholarships that require a pledge to follow Christian values, a string of Christian-based foster homes and groups working to defeat same-sex marriage initiatives."

    WinShape -- the company's own foundation -- has admitted that a "biblical definition" of marriage is part of its founding principles. That's hardly hazy. The company is opposed to gay marriage, and will spend the dollars it earns from you to promote that agenda. If you're comfortable with that, eat there. I'm not, and I won't anymore.-COLLAPSE

  • I view this issue as separating the professional from the personal. I certainly don't approve of the prejudice going on, but it's messy to mix what Chick does outside of its direct relationship with the customer. If you're a liberal vegan, are you supposed to stop visiting your favorite farmer's market stand because you recently found out that the people there hunt using assault rifles and attend...+READ

    I view this issue as separating the professional from the personal. I certainly don't approve of the prejudice going on, but it's messy to mix what Chick does outside of its direct relationship with the customer. If you're a liberal vegan, are you supposed to stop visiting your favorite farmer's market stand because you recently found out that the people there hunt using assault rifles and attend a Protestan church?

    I just draw the line at the direct interaction. What Chick does with their money is none of my business. And, just in general, it's difficult to be harsh to anyone giving money to a charity they believe in.

    Course, all this is very easy for me to say since I'm not gay and there isn't a Chick in the area.-COLLAPSE

  • You can't be all things to all people. If you like their food, eat there. If you don't, eat somewhere else. Food should be tasty, not political. I think it's rather tedious to be eating something at a chain restaurant (or anywhere else) and have to wonder if the CEO of the company supports a cause I hate, or doesn't support one that's important to me.

  • I think "hates gay people" is a bit of hyperbole, but Aramek, you're wrong about the pro-business thing. I mean, I'm sure they are, but probably unlike Target, where the anti-gay thing was incidental to the-pro business thing, Chik-Fil-A does flout their socially conservative credentials. I quit eating there when I showed up for a breakfast biscuit and they handed me a free copy of the...+READ

    I think "hates gay people" is a bit of hyperbole, but Aramek, you're wrong about the pro-business thing. I mean, I'm sure they are, but probably unlike Target, where the anti-gay thing was incidental to the-pro business thing, Chik-Fil-A does flout their socially conservative credentials. I quit eating there when I showed up for a breakfast biscuit and they handed me a free copy of the "Washington Times." Not that the food was all that good anyway.-COLLAPSE

  • I'm sorry; I agree, there's no proof that the company "hates gay people." But if they did, it would not be surprising. If they didn't, it would be nice.

  • I agree; for those familiar with Chik-Fil-A, the fact that they "might be" anti-gay is not surprising. It's no secret that they're run by Christian fundamentalists. Who love cows, apparently, but hate chickens. And gay people.

  • Can I file this under the "So what" category? Every company has someone running it that I might not agree with. I go to restaurants to eat, not be politically correct. And I don't really care if the owner/chef/and waiters are twice-born Anabaptist or flamingo-colored druids if the food is good.

  • Gay chicken, straight chicken, I'll eat either.

  • if any one is potentially offended by either the conservative or Christian message, I guess the thing to do is choose another restaurant. I have never seen any evidence that they flat out don't want gays eating in their establishments, or that they are in any way unwelcoming to these folks specifically

  • The very last paragraph is my take on this. Sadly, it is very, very hard to seperate the "Conservative" part from the "Christian" part.

    These companies really may just be supporting the biggest pro-business party, but, as they are so intertwined, they end up allying themselves with utterly socially stagnant public policy.

  • For people who live in Chick-fil-a country, this isn't news. Their conservative Christian background is pretty public - they have always been closed on Sundays, and the toys in their kids meals almost always have some kind of moral lessons (and until recent years, were often out-right religious).