America’s favorite chicken sandwich chain is under fire from Christian leaders after one franchise location congratulated a same-sex couple on their wedding. A second wave of criticism ensued after the response Chick-fil-A reportedly gave to a complaint began circulating online.
The controversy began earlier this month when a Chick-fil-A in Orem, Utah, posted images of two men to Facebook. “CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HAPPY COUPLE!” the post said. “Dougie & Toby recently got married and we are so beyond happy for them!”
Comments on the post were mixed, with some offering congratulations. However, others referred to the post as “shameful” and alleged that it went “against the values your company stands on.”
RELATED: Chick-fil-A Set To Launch a Streaming Service
Criticism intensified this week when The Washington Stand, a publication of the Family Research Council (FRC), published a screenshot of the response Chick-fil-A allegedly gave in response to a complaint regarding the social media post. The Washington Stand cited QSaltLake Magazine as the source of the screenshot.
“Chick-fil-A embraces all people, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity,” the statement said. “Chick-fil-A, Inc. is committed to being Better at Together by embedding Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) in everything we do.”
“We strive to provide a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone,” the statement continued. “We do this by focusing on Chick-fil-A’s four Corporate Social Responsibility pillars: Caring for People, Caring for our Communities, Caring for Others through our Food, and Caring for our Planet.”
Texas Pastor Tom Buck said, “One of the major reasons I ate at @ChickfilA was because of the Christian values they once held. To be honest, there are restaurants that have better chicken.”
“Chick Fil A (sic) has every right to change their values,” he added. “I have every right to change where I eat. And I will!”
“Chick-fil-A is standing by their DEI commitments. That includes LGBTQ inclusivity. This is not Truett Cathy’s Chick-fil-A,” said author and reporter Megan Basham. “This is sad but important reporting from the Washington Stand.”
RELATED: Some Chick-fil-A Locations Would Be Required To Open on Sundays If Proposed New York Bill Passes
“Farewell, Chick-fil-A,” wrote Gabriel Hughes of the online ministry When We Understand the Text. “You’re now like everyone else, but closed on Sunday.”
,_Tallahassee,_Florida.jpg){kind=link}
