Chick-fil-A has new spicy chicken sandwich, but don’t call
it flaming. That word can get you in trouble around there.
During a
radio interview, the president and chief operating officer of Chick-fil-A, Dan
Cathy, said that gay marriage is “inviting God’s judgment on our nation.” Since
that interview the media world has been on fire with stories and tweets voicing
what’s right or wrong about the stance a fast-food company has on a political
and religious agenda.
I’m not
here to argue about Cathy’s right to speech or Chick-fil-A’s ability to conduct
its business. Cathy is exercising his first amendment right and there is
nothing wrong with closing on Sunday and having biblical principles in your
business practices. What is wrong, however, are their conscientious efforts to
help causes that dedicate their time and resources to the hate and
discrimination of homosexuals.
If Cathy
had just said, “gay marriage is wrong” and moved on, I personally wouldn't care
and would still be enjoying their tasty homophobic nuggets. That’s his
business. However, according to EqualityMatters.org, nearly $5 million has been
donated to faith-based organizations through WinShape, Chick-fil-A’s charity. Faith
based is usually just a nice way of saying anti-gay.
This
charity has done many good things for communities by offering camps for youth
and by supporting family tradition. I acknowledge and admire that. However,
their donations to groups like Exodus, whose attempts in the past to “cure”
homosexuality and give therapy to “ex-homosexuals” are uncalled for. According
to the American Medical Association, homosexuality is not a disease therefore
it needs no cure and trying to “cure” them will only hurt the individual
further.
WinShape
has also donated funds to the Family Research Council, whose president, Tony
Perkins, said that homosexuals are “intolerant, hateful and vile.” Perkins may
want to remember the saying about the pot and the kettle.
TheFRC also distributes pamphlets
stating that homosexual men and women are physically and mentally ill
pedophiles who can be cured. To see the slander, you can download the pamphlet
here http://www.frc.org/.
These actions
of these companies and the donations by WinShape promote anti-gay agenda and
have no place in businesses of any kind. Chick-fil-A’s purpose is to make
scrumptious chicken meals, not to tell others who they can marry. I wouldn’t
support a business that only catered to gays or donated money to anti-black
organizations such as the KKK. Why should anyone support any business that
openly discriminates against others?
From a business standpoint, Cathy
made a bad decision. Chick-fil-A’s approval rating has plummeted and they are
sure to endure more backlash and financial loss due to Cathy’s verbal vomiting.
City officials from Boston and Chicago have publicly stated that the
cow-friendly business’s views are not welcome in their cities. And although it
would be unlawful to prevent them from building in these cities, I’m glad people
with authority are speaking out against the destructive behaviors Chick-fil-A
supports.
This ordeal
is truly a shame. I like Chick-fil-A’s food, their good service and their
generally clean restaurants. However, I will never give my money to a business
that would willingly try to oppress or support the discrimination of a
particular sect of people.
I will continue to do as Chick-fil-A’s
motto says and “Eat Mor Chikin” However, I will do it somewhere else.
