Chick-Fil-a Drama

[Maneo]

So Chick-Fil-A does not support gay marriage.

Why is this such a big deal? It isn't like they said "Homosexuals will not be employed by our organization" or " We will not serve openly gay couples in our establishments."

This company and those that work for it are facing boycotts (jeopardizing the employment of the people who work there), in Boston and Chicago the Democratic Mayors and trying to send the chain into exile, protests near there establishments and being called a bigots.

To my knowledge Same-sex marriage has been made legal through court rulings and legislative action, but not via popular vote.

What I don't understand is why when the president in a interview gives his stance and opinion, he is called a bigot or worse his company and ability to employ people in this fragile economy is put in jeopardy.

To be fair that would be like the right wing, boycotting a establishment cause they support harsh gun laws, planned parenthood, or our current commander and chief for re election. To my knowledge this isn't happening or if it is to a miniscule degree.

It is as if you are only entitled to voice your opinion if you agree with certain stances. That isn't what our First Amendment was about last time I checked.

Personally as a fiscally conservative, and socially liberal individual I feel that homosexuals should be allowed to marry. I however would like to see it legalized at the state level via popular vote.

Now lets see how many people call me a closed minded bigot or a redneck conservative.

[Activi-T]

I persoanlly take the opinion that companies (retail stores) shouldn't really have political opinions as they aren't a person, they are made of individuals with a multitude of opinions. The owners are free to think what they want but why does the company need to mirror them?

Edit: It's the same reasons that groups like One Million Moms boycott stores that support gays openly, they don't agree with stores getting involved influencing people.

[Deleted]

I'm from Finland and when our president was elected his main rival was a homosexual candidate and of course this question was raised. I think our current president said it quite well: "Do we have to open the title "marriage"? Yes for the same rights as in marriage but no for the term "marriage"."

[Riidii]

I persoanlly take the opinion that companies (retail stores) shouldn't really have political opinions as they aren't a person, they are made of individuals with a multitude of opinions. The owners are free to think what they want but why does the company need to mirror them?

The company doesn't mirror them. Any homosexual individual can freely work or do business with Chick-Fil-A. No discrimination whatsoever.

This is a prime example of frenzied media and liberal hypocrisy to the utmost degree.

[quras]

The owners of any business are allowed to think what they want. If they want their company to be based on their line of thinking there is no real fault there. They can think what they want.

If you don't like how they do things. Don't eat there and don't support them. It's only a place to eat.

The real drama is being caused by the people that think this announcement is some big deal that a fast food restaurant does not support gay marriage.

Do people really love a chicken sandwich so much they can't stop eating there even when they don't support something you do?

THIS:

This is a prime example of frenzied media and liberal hypocrisy to the utmost degree.

[cFortyfive]

The company doesn't mirror them. Any homosexual individual can freely do business with Chick-Fil-A. No discrimination whatsoever.

This is a prime example of frenzied media and liberal hypocrisy to the utmost degree.

Absolutely agree. Their boss may be some religion practitioner but from what I read they do serve gays just as everybody else so I hardly see the big issue that is made out of it.

[gnomergon]

To be fair that would be like the right wing, boycotting a establishment cause they support harsh gun laws, planned parenthood, or our current commander and chief for re election. To my knowledge this isn't happening or if it is to a miniscule degree.

this happens quite often actually. i'm actually kind of surprised that you didn't hear about the whole susan g. komen foundation thing a while back. However, it still is usually less extreme than left wing boycotts.

Personally as a fiscally conservative, and socially liberal individual I feel that homosexuals should be allowed to marry. I however would like to see it legalized at the state level via popular vote.

Interracial marriage was an idea that was long illegal in the south, or highly persecuted at the very least. The legal establishment of this type of marriage was never put into a vote, because it involves disparaging a certain portion of the population from enjoying a right that everyone else enjoys merely because a certain type of people do not approve of it. It would be akin to allowing only allowing straight whites to have a job, or be able to vote, or get healthcare, or retirement plans; It is not something that should be left up to a popular vote. It is a simple right (or if you prefer, privilege), that many are being denied simply because many don't like it.

[Orist]

The issue for me isnt about his freedom of speech or his own beliefs. Its about him giving money to organizations who are bigoted and targeted specifically at homosexuals. My views are different than his and i'll be damned if my money is going to help fund these kind of hate groups.

[Kalcheus]

A truism in American political thought:

If a company/celebrity agrees with you, they have the right to state their beliefs.
If a company/celebrity disagrees with you, they should shut up and serve my sandwich/stick to acting.

What I'm mostly disappointed, though, about Chik-Fil-A is the bullshit they posted about a recall of the Henson toys after Henson withdrew.

[Maneo]

Interracial marriage was an idea that was long illegal in the south, or highly persecuted at the very least. The legal establishment of this type of marriage was never put into a vote, because it involves disparaging a certain portion of the population from enjoying a right that everyone else enjoys merely because a certain type of people do not approve of it. It would be akin to allowing only allowing straight whites to have a job, or be able to vote, or get healthcare, or retirement plans; It is not something that should be left up to a popular vote. It is a simple right (or if you prefer, privilege), that many are being denied simply because many don't like it.

I completely agree, personally however since it seems the vast majority of people are for or at the very least not against gay marriage, that this law could be passed by popular vote.

Honestly I just really like my spicy chicken sandwich (its amazing) and don't want to deal with petitioners = )

[Grraarrgghh]

The issue for me isnt about his freedom of speech or his own beliefs. Its about him giving money to organizations who are bigoted and targeted specifically at homosexuals. My views are different than his and i'll be damned if my money is going to help fund these kind of hate groups.

This.

Everyone is overlooking the fact that it's not "Oh Chick-Fil-A doesn't support gays" and more that they ACTIVELY DONATE MONEY TO SUPPRESS THEM.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/sexuality/chickfila.asp

[Riidii]

No. The reason they don't discrimate in terms of doing business is because it would leave them open lawsuits.

How in the fuck are they mirroring anti-gay beliefs by serving delicious chicken sandwiches?

[Clockwork Pinkie]

So Chick-Fil-A does not support gay marriage.

Why is this such a big deal?

It's more than what's just on the surface and what's just reported on your local news channel. It's explain a couple of post above me.

[Tinykong]

I respect them for standing up for their morals/opinion instead of caving for profits.

[Felicia]

I personally don't care, people can choose to live their own lives. My life doesn't effect them, and vice versa. Their customers will decide if company opinion even matters. I live in Texas, so it's pretty obvious. I'm a registered Republican, but I tend to walk in the middle of the road with my political views.

Their food is good, and we don't have a food court in our mall (small town). They have decent salads , and that's all I tend to eat at fast food joints, anyway. And if my bloodsugar goes low, I don't have much of a choice :P There are no soda machines!

[Activi-T]

How in the fuck are they mirroring anti-gay beliefs by serving delicious chicken sandwiches?

They (the comapny as an enitity in and of itself, made up of it's numerous employees) are mirroring the beliefs of the owner (an individual) giving his views more of a voicing (as it has the backing of a company) which should remain, in my opinion, always neutral.

Thats what i was trying to get at. Perhaps i should have made my first post clearer but thats what i meant.

[chazus]

Why is this such a big deal? It isn't like they said "Homosexuals will not be employed by our organization" or " We will not serve openly gay couples in our establishments."

Because you don't have all the information, it seems. It's not about "we don't support support them", it's about the fact they give a large amount of money to gay-suppression groups and organizations.

It's basically like saying "I personally am totally okay with gays, but I also give money to groups that lobby to make sure they don't have a place to live in the world."

[Kalcheus]

I respect them for standing up for their morals/opinion instead of caving for profits.

They're largely a Bible Belt-based franchise. Actively opposing Gay Marriage will likely benefit them more than a few hundred college kids protesting them will hurt.

[Riidii]

Because you don't have all the information, it seems. It's not about "we don't support support them", it's about the fact they give a large amount of money to gay-suppression groups and organizations.

It's basically like saying "I personally am totally okay with gays, but I also give money to groups that lobby to make sure they don't have a place to live in the world."

Those are hand-in-hand in my opinion. Owners of a company can donate money to whoever they want to.

If he disapproves of gay marriage, then of course he is going to support causes to get rid of the agenda.

This shouldn't come as a surprise to any individual on the planet.

[Orist]

They're largely a Bible Belt-based franchise. Actively opposing Gay Marriage will likely benefit them more than a few hundred college kids protesting them will hurt.

With their intentions to expand I dont think being denied permits to open in Boston, Chicago, and San Fran is really all that good either. Not to mention the franchise is based here in Atlanta, and Atlanta, specifically Midtown/Buckhead has the 3rd largest LGBT population in the country. Its not going so hot for them here either.