In the results of a Rasmussen poll as reported by The Christian Post, 61 percent of American voters hold a favorable opinion of fast-food restaurant Chick-fil-A after its president Dan Cathy expressed his traditional view of marriage. 31 percent said they will eat at the restaurants more often, but 13 percent said they will boycott the eateries.
In an interview last month, Cathy made the comment that “we’re 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. And I pray God’s mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude that thinks we have the audacity to redefine what marriage is all about.”
Cathy has since been accused of “hate speech” by gay advocates, and certain mayors have implied that they would ban the restaurant from their cities. The Jim Henson Company has removed its Muppet toys from kids’ meals in response to the controversy, and petitions have been made to HarperCollins urging them to remove their Berenstain Bears books and characters, as well.
But thousands turned out to eat in the restaurants last week in a dramatic show of support suggested by Mike Huckabee, media personality and former presidential candidate.
A statement from the Chick-fil-A website regarding the controversy reads as follows: Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day was not created by Chick-fil-A. We appreciate all of our customers and are glad to serve them at any time. Our goal is simple: to provide great food, genuine hospitality and to have a positive influence on all who come into contact with Chick-fil-A.
Chick-fil-A is a family-owned and family-led company serving the communities in which it operates. From the day Truett Cathy started the company, he began applying biblically-based principles to managing his business.
The Chick-fil-A culture and service tradition in our restaurants is to treat every person with honor, dignity and respect – regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender. We will continue this tradition in the over 1,600 Restaurants run by independent Owner/Operators. Going forward, our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena.
Our mission is simple: to serve great food, provide genuine hospitality and have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.
