ATLANTA – Following up our previously-published story (San Diego LGBT Weekly, Jan. 20) Dan Cathy, the president of Chick-fil-A, has once again entered the furor surrounding the restaurant chain. Cathy is insisting the company is not anti-gay. In an open web letter he has defended the group against withering criticism from gay rights groups in recent days.
Cathy writes, “In recent weeks, we have been accused of being anti-gay. We have no agenda against anyone. At the heart and soul of our company, we are a family business that serves and values all people regardless of their beliefs or opinions. We seek to treat everyone with honor, dignity and respect, and believe in the importance of loving your neighbor as yourself.
Cathy goes on to describe Chick-fil-A’s support for marriage with its WinShape Foundation, which he credits for helping countless employees and other people in their “marriage journey.”
Among other recent criticisms there was a blogger’s contention that Chick-fil-A’s WinShape Foundation does not admit gay couples to marriage counseling.
Cathy then clarifies Chick-fil-A’s corporate purpose as, “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us, and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A. As a result, we will not champion any political agendas on marriage and family.”
Earlier this month, Cathy appeared on a Facebook video to argue that the Chick-fil-A sandwiches and brownies which were provided at a marriage-training event sponsored by the Pennsylvania Family Institute were not an endorsement of the group’s politics.
Will Kohler, administrator of a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender blog called back2stonewall.com commented, “Chick-fil-A can sponsor who they want. It’s a free country. But they shouldn’t get upset when they get found out supporting issues and ideas that discriminate against a section of their customers.”
