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National Chick-Fil-A Days At issue for LGBT activists and their allies is a July 2 interview published by the Biblical Recorder in which Mr. Cathy discussed Chick-fil-A’s Biblical values, including its Winshape Foundation marriage outreach, which some groups have opposed. When he was asked about the company’s support for the traditional family, Cathy responded, “Well, guilty as charged.” “We are very much supportive of the family— the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that,” Cathy said in the article. "We operate as a family business ... our restaurants are typically led by families; some are single. We want to do anything we possibly can to strengthen families. We are very much committed to that.” Cathy later emphasized in the article, "We intend to stay the course. We know that it might not be popular with everyone, but thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles." Cathy made further statements about the definition of marriage when he appeared on the Ken Coleman radio show on July 16. During the show, Cathy discussed the ongoing efforts to redefine marriage. “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. “And I pray God’s mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude to think that we would have the audacity to try to redefine what marriage is all about.” Despite the fact that Mr. Cathy made no mention of homosexuals or same-sex “marriage” in his comments, LGBT activists and their allies in the media immediately responded by calling the company “anti-gay” and by accusing Cathy of “bigotry.” Other attacks on the pro-family restaurant chain include:
In response to the uproar, Chick-fil-A posted a statement on their Facebook page on July 19, emphasizing that it seeks to “treat every person with honor, dignity and respect–regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender.” The statement also pledged that in the future, “our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena.” To counter the attacks on Chick-Fil-A by LGBT activists and their allies, pro-family citizens are being urged to show support for the restaurant on July 25 and August 1. The “National Eat at Chick-fil-A Day” was first organized by Fox radio and television host Mike Huckabee, who explained on his website: “No one is being asked to make signs, speeches, or openly demonstrate. The goal is simple: Let's affirm a business that operates on Christian principles and whose executives are willing to take a stand for the Godly values we espouse by simply showing up and eating at Chick Fil-A on August 1,” Huckabee said. “Too often, those on the left make corporate statements to show support for same sex marriage, abortion, or profanity, but if Christians affirm traditional values, we're considered homophobic, fundamentalists, hate-mongers, and intolerant.” While Governor Huckabee is calling on supporters to eat at Chick-fil-A on August 1, the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) is organizing a similar event on July 25 and is urging citizens to show support for Chick-fil-A by eating at the restaurant both today, and again on August 1. In addition to eating at the restaurants on both dates, NOM is encouraging supporters to also, “let the manager know that you're there to thank the Cathy family for their bravery and for all their good work!” North Carolina Family Policy Council president Bill Brooks commented: "Marriage is the fundamental institution of society and by all accounts, Chick-Fil-A is a responsible company that upholds traditional family values and gives back to local communities in many ways. Those who want to try and score political points by attacking the company, for statements supporting traditional values certainly have that right. As Christians and citizens, we have the right to 'eat mor chickin'—and I intend to do just that, starting today." Related resources: Copyright © 2012. North Carolina Family Policy Council. All rights reserved.
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