Chick-fil-A’s president, Truett Cathy, prompted the most recent chapter in the American war over homosexual rights to marriage. In mid July he said in an interview, “Guilty as charged. We are very much supportive of the family-the biblical definition of the family unit.” He continued:
“I think we are inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at Him and say, ‘We know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage,’ and I pray God’s mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude to think that we have the audacity to redefine what marriage is about.”
Those statements incited a firestorm. Protestors have shown up at Chick-fil-A carrying banners that say such things as, “Cluck-Off.” Conan O’Brien introduced a skit with Chick-fil-A’s new mascot, “Chaz the Intolerant Chicken,” who made a number of quips related to Christianity and homosexuality.
On the other side of the fence, many have come up out in fervent support of the restaurant and Cathy’s stance on homosexuality. Former presidential candidate, Mike Huckabee declared August 1 to be Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day. Supporters came in droves, resulting in many locations with long lines and traffic jams. Sarah Palin visited a Texas Chick-fil-A restaurant to show her support.
Chick-fil-A issued a statement on its website saying:
“The Chick-fil-A culture and service tradition in our Restaurants is to treat every person with honor, dignity and respect –regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender. We will continue this tradition in the over 1,600 Restaurants run by independent Owner/Operators. Going forward, our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena.”