Chick-fil-A gay marriage battle rages on

[accadacca]

Interesting...

I just ate there last night and had no
idea about this...

--



SALT LAKE CITY — A fast-food restaurant is at the center of a controversy over corporations' role in politics and the exercise of free speech.

Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy made waves last week with comments opposing gay marriage. The company has long been known to espouse traditional religious values, and has given more than $2 million to organizations such as Exodus International and the Family Research Council.

"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,'" Cathy said during an appearance on ‘The Ken Coleman Show.' "I pray God's mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude to think that we have the audacity to define what marriage is about."

He later confirmed to the Baptist Press that the company was "guilty as charged" in supporting "the biblical definition of the family unit."

The comments set of a nationwide policy debate, as politicians in two major cities have moved to block the expansion of Chick-fil-A within their jurisdiction.

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino told the Boston Herald last week that the restaurant "doesn't belong in Boston."

"You can't have a business in the city of Boston that discriminates against a population," Menino said. "We're an open city, we're a city that's at the forefront of inclusion."

Menino had said he would make it "very difficult" to open a Chick-fil-A in Boston, but on Thursday told the Boston Herald that his "tough talk" was a "mistake," and that it would be interfering with the restaurant's rights if he prevented a new store from being built. He said his distaste for Cathy's remarks remains unchanged, though.

Alderman Joe Moreno of Chicago's 1st Ward soon followed suit, saying he will prevent the company from opening a restaurant in the city's Logan Square neighborhood until Chick-fil-A comes up with a written anti-discrimination policy.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel voiced support for Moreno, saying in a statement to the Chicago Tribune that "Chick- fil-A values are not Chicago values. They disrespect our fellow neighbors and residents."

Mountain View, in San Francisco, has also temporarily blocked the chain from opening any new restaurants.

Media outlets including Bloomberg, the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune have published editorials on the constitutionality of the politicians' moves, saying that blocking the company for an unpopular opinion sets a bad precedent and is of doubtful legality.

Students of at least 10 universities, including New York University and the University of Florida, have launched petitions on Change.org asking university officials to remove existing Chick-fil-A restaurants from their campuses. None of the requests have been granted as of Thursday.

One Chick-fil-A partner has stopped working with the company because of Cathy's comments. The Jim Henson Company announced Friday that it would end its partnerships with the restaurant and that it would donate its payment from the puppet kit promotion in Chick-fil-A kid's meals to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.

"The Jim Henson Company has celebrated and embraced diversity and inclusiveness for over fifty years," the company said in a statement. "Lisa Henson, our CEO, is personally a strong supporter of gay marriage."

Pictures circulated this week of a sign at a Chick-fil-A in Texas that claimed the toys had been "voluntarily recalled … due to a possible safety issue." The recall purportedly took effect July 19.

A comment on the company's Facebook page after the recall went viral after what appeared to be a fake account stood up for the company.

The account was found to have existed for only eight hours before the comments were made, and used a stock image picture of a teenage girl. It was not proved that Chick- fil-A had anything to do with the comments, and the company said on Facebook that the claim was "100% false."

The company's critics are not the only ones voicing their opinions; supporters have been equally vehement. Along with threats of boycotts, there have been promises to eat at Chick-fil-A even more than usual.

Rick Santorum and Mike Huckabee have also come out in support of the company: the two have promoted a "Chick- fil-A Appreciation Day" on Aug. 1.

"No signs and no protests are needed to make your voice heard," Santorum said in an email to supporters. "Just simply have a meal at Chick-fil-A on August 1 for ‘Chick- fil-A Appreciation Day' and our support for traditional values will be heard loud and clear."

The event comes two days before a national same-sex kiss day that has been organized for Aug. 3 by those opposed to Cathy's statements.

Chick-fil-A has released a statement of its own in the aftermath of Cathy's comments, saying the company is known to "treat every person with honor, dignity and respect — regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender."

"Going forward, our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena."

http://www.ksl.com/?sid=21422911&nid=757&title=chick-fil-a-gay-marriage-battle-rages-on&s_cid=featured-4

[Last Child]

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

[blueeyes]

Where have you been?!?!

[Sombeech]

"You can't have a business in the city of Boston that discriminates against a population," Menino said.

Well, if Boston customers keep rolling in, then obviously you can!

Economics 101

I just ate here today in fact, the hot soccer mom population is always high.

[Deathcricket]

There are enough gay topic threads on Bogley, it should have it's own forum.

[DesertDuke]

There are enough gay topic threads on Bogley, it should have it's own forum.

X2

[Sombeech]

There are enough gay topic threads on Bogley, it should have it's own forum.

Starting with Gay Chubby Dating

[hank moon]

There are enough gay topic threads on Bogley, it should have it's own forum.

Chick-r-Gay?

http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthre...big+gay+thread


p.s.

I love Chick Fil A and if such disconnected boycotts were anything but empty ego calories, I'd engage in one every now and then. As it is, I look forward to my next visit to the temple of fried chicken sammiches. Had my first one on Feb 12, 1970 - yay!

[Byron]

I've never eaten there, but because of this I shall now actively seek them out. They serve gays, they employ gays, and the owner is entitled to his opinion. Who do these stinking liberals think they are? I've said it before, "Big Brother" would be a democrat. I'll eat there now, not because I have a problem with gays, it's just to stick it in the eye of the fascists.

[hank moon]

I've never eaten there, but because of this I shall now actively seek them out. They serve gays, they employ gays, and the owner is entitled to his opinion. Who do these stinking liberals think they are? I've said it before, "Big Brother" would be a democrat. I'll eat there now, not because I have a problem with gays, it's just to stick it in the eye of the fascists.

Big brother is already here - and he's all of us. See "Pogo"

[accadacca]

Oh snap!

[James_B_Wads2000]

Gay



James

[Sombeech]

Damnit Willy....

[oldno7]

Bwahaaa

Damnit Willy....

[Byron]

So for the past two mornings I've stopped there for breakfast...holy crap I never knew what I was missing!!! Seriously, the food is OUTSTANDING. Very fresh tasting, generous portions and the price is right! That place rocks! I highly recommend their sausage/egg biscuit, along with the tasty mini burrito. I'll have to pop in for lunch.

Glad to see their doing such good business...I have some gay family members and I love them very much, but I can't stand militant queers.

[Bootboy]

Chick-fil-a is never even going to bat an eyelash at all this. Do you know why? Because they make the best damn chicken sandwich on the planet and people will always be willing to sell their souls to get one, I know I have.

I love how all the sycophants throw so much hype and so buzz words like, " hate", "bigotry", and "discrimination", to try to create sensation. The fact is that in a short time, people will forget, chick-fil-a will continue to make kick-ass sandwiches and life will go on.
If you ask me, the world is a better place with chick-fil-a...

[Sombeech]

http://www.businessinsider.com/vante...-for-it-2012-8

Exec Bullies Chick-Fil-A Worker, Then Promptly Gets Fired For It

Screengrab from jtinthedc on YouTube

Adam Smith, former CFO and treasurer of medical supplies manufacturer Vante, caused quite a stir today when he put up a video of himself bullying a Chick-fil-A drive-thru employee in Tucson on YouTube.Smith berates the worker about her company in the video, which was initially titled ”Reduce $’s to Chick-Fil-A’s Hate Groups.” It has since been taken down (though others have uploaded it too).
"I don't know how you live with yourself and work here," he tells the employee at the window. "I don't understand it. This is a horrible corporation with horrible values. You deserve better."
”I’m a nice guy, by the way … totally heterosexual," he continues. "Not a gay in me, I just can’t stand the hate.”
Chick-fil-A is currently in the middle of a controversy sparked by president and COO Dan Cathy's comments about gay marriage. He said that going against the Biblical definition of marriage is "inviting God's judgment on our nation."
Watch the video:

Vante didn't approve of Smith's behavior, and he's no longer working there.
Here's the press release from Vante announcing that Smith is "no longer an employee of our company," effective immediately:
TUCSON, AZ--(Marketwire - Aug 2, 2012) - The following is a statement from Vante:
Vante regrets the unfortunate events that transpired yesterday in Tucson between our former CFO/Treasurer Adam Smith and an employee at Chick-fil-A. Effective immediately, Mr. Smith is no longer an employee of our company.
The actions of Mr. Smith do not reflect our corporate values in any manner. Vante is an equal opportunity company with a diverse workforce, which holds diverse opinions. We respect the right of our employees and all Americans to hold and express their personal opinions, however, we also expect our company officers to behave in a manner commensurate with their position and in a respectful fashion that conveys these values of civility with others.
We hope that the general population does not hold Mr. Smith's actions against Vante and its employees.

<span style="font-family: arial">

[Deathcricket]

Hahahaaa.

Ok Ok I admit it. I initially shrugged and said "Oh great more gay threads" but this story is getting pretty interesting. A dude getting fired over a free water..... Can't stop laughing!

[restrac2000]

The boycott is interesting to watch. Though I would say its been mislabeled as an equality issue and seems to be more of a public airing of the schism continuing to develop within the Christian church.

Unfortunately, patrons on both sides have turned it into an media circus and act as major distractions. I too agree that the word "hate" is ironic in these events.

All for those people engaging in the political power of their dollar. That is always a success. On the other hand, this is a major failure for "marriage equality" as it seems to have become principally a success for the ultra-conservative patrons. Whoever thought boycotting them was a good idea politically should have taken a look at their websites location finder. They are located principally in regions friendly to their views.

[restrac2000]

Disturbing watching this story unfold from the lives and perspectives of so many different friends and forums. The vast majority of this forum are white males for whom this subject will always be an idea versus a tangible issue that effects them every day.

Was just interacting with other friends via Facebook and was truly challenged for the first time. I actually think the CFA boycott has been poorly executed and is for most people going to be a short-term commitment. It has come across as cheap and non-beneficial for both sides.

On the other hand, after reading so many posts from gay friends, this totally affects them in genuine manners. This Wednesday they watched as thousands of people stood in line for a company that donates money to an organization that fights against their equality. The watched as people stood in line and gave millions to a CEO that doesn't believe: they should be able to get married; have equal access to medical benefits and interactions; etc; etc. That is tangible and sincere. The patrons had a multitude of reasons for being there and I would bet the ideology of a free market played heavily into many (private companies right to choose). That said, echoing the words of a Christian blog, we (he said "the Church") failed on wednesday. So many in the nation put an idea ahead of real people. Wether that being those who yelled profanities at patron, workers and people of the opposite worldview. Wether that be the Christians who stood in line to support an idea versus recognizing or truly engaging in a christ-like behavior that put a real person above an idea. Or wether that be the liberal who screamed across the internet that this is all about "hate". Or the myriad of other options that provided no real solution.

The fact remains that I have a bunch of gay friends out there who are treated with less dignity, respect and given less legal opportunity than their straight counterparts. And that remains the outcome despite the media frenzy of an ultra-right wing Christian's world views or piece of fried poultry.

I would just say be careful with your words on the internet. I am all for calling out an individual for their actions. But it is shameful and dangerous to call out an entire group of people with hateful words. It has come from both sides and is truly ugly.