A.Nonymous

Curious what you all think about it. Personally I think it's a bit BS. The owner states an opinion that is obviously unpopular. The fact that officials in three different cities are moving to block them from building new restaurants is completely ridiculous. I guess we don't have freedom of speech in this country any more if our speech is unpopular.

jefboyardee

Everyone who agrees, let’s go buy a something from them.

__________________

Dark One

I don't agree with his opinion but you're right, it is nonsense for the government to get involved with this.

samwapp

I'm still gonna buy their chicken, they are the best fast food restaurant. And hell, it's his money, he can do what he wants with it.

OutofDate1980

Oh, those upcoming gender discrimination lawsuits won't matter, as they were encouraging stay-at-home moms, by firing moms. After they settle, they'll just use more "pink slime" to make up for the judgements.

Hey, Chick-Fil-A is just following their biblical faith that blesses liars.

Chick-Fil-A's Anti-Gay Marriage Announcement - The Colbert Report - 2012-26-07 - Video Clip | Comedy Central

ParishL31

Jokingly, those who protest have never tasted the incredible food at Chik-Fil-A.

In all seriousness, I think it's a total load of crap and honestly don't see how what Boston is doing isn't illegal for discrimination. It'd be one thing if Chik-Fil-A actually banned homosexuals from their stores, but they didn't. The CEO simply stated his personal views (yes it was dumb for a business standpoint), but that's it. Anyone can still go to Chik-Fil-A and order food without any discrimination.

It's the typical, "I support freedom of speech, as long as you agree with me" type deal. If anyone should be the "bad guy" it's Boston for not respecting other people's opinions.

On the other hand, this made my day:
Chick-fil-A boycott? You’re doing it wrong: Reports, photos show it is a total fail; Update: Sarah and Todd Palin join in | Twitchy

The boycott completely failed. Chik-Fil-A is still packed to the rim as it always is.

A.Nonymous

Anecdotally speaking the line is still out the door here.

I find it interesting that Jeff Bezos recently donated $2.5 mill to defend a pro-same sex marriage law. Yet when I google 'Boycott Amazon' I get one and only one result telling me to boycott Amazon for this and it's from some right wing blog. Which side of the issue is being intolerant here? Just saying.

For the record, pro-gay rights people are right, but I've said for ages that the way they present their case is all wrong.

OutofDate1980

Jeff Bezos is promoting the right of a legal contract between two individuals, Dan Cathy is promoting the denial of that right between two individuals. Promoting a right and promoting a denial of a right is a big difference.

Interracial marriage was illegal in many US states until a 1967 Supreme Court decision. The same religious prejudices as Mr. Cathy holds were the bases on why interracial was illegal.

citysentinel

I'm pro-gay everything and I've eaten there. I won't eat there again (unless I really had to) because their food is only alright.

cjr72

And marriage licenses in the US came about to used as an instrument for banning interracial marriages. It's rather ironic that gays are clamoring for them when you consider that sordid history. The truly progressive position would be to do away with marriage licenses altogether, end marriage tax breaks which will increase revenues to the government, etc.

A.Nonymous

Again, the government denying someone a business permit based on their political stance (no matter how unpopular it is) is ok in your eyes?

babelsquirrel

The nearest Chick-fil-a is roughly an eight hour drive from me. So the fact that I wouldn't eat in one isn't really going to effect their business. I have never even seen one of their restaurants.

The whole thing with respect to the reaction of various city governments is just political posturing to gain votes. Politicians will be politicians.

redrider67

Well hopefully everyone that is protesting will quit buying gas for there cars, our oil comes from OPEC see how they treat homosexuals in there countries.

My opinion it's BULLSH*T!!!!!

OutofDate1980

Has that occurred ?

Governments do have the right to deny a business permit and/or to shut a business down if it breaks the law.

The CEO of Chick-Fil-A has publicly stated he believes that gays should be discriminated against, if he acts on these beliefs, then those jurisdictions that prohibit this discrimination, have the right to sanction such actions.

HotRoderX

I just don't get all the backlash on this guy. People seriously need to grow up and stop whining ever time they don't like something.

We are taught in Kindergarten we dont always get our way. Just because we don't get our way it does not give us the right to pitch a fit and make everyone life miserable.

I am 100% sure the admin of this website does not agree with a 100% of the post. I am also sure he does not delete post unless they violate the rules.

I am sure there are people on this forum that don't always agree with whats posted but they don't pitch fits. The reason for this is a very simple one they respect each others opinions and understand people differ.

I just wish more people would grow up and understand this simple concept.

OutofDate1980

Well, since that guy is trying to "pitch a fit" to make those that do not share his religious beliefs lives miserable, expect responsible adults to teach that guy respect for others.

Last edited by jerofld; August 14th, 2012 at 08:52 AM. Reason: Edited out a specific insult

copestag

can you cite a single instance where he or his business has actually discriminated against anyone for being gay? or even accusation of such an occurrence?

so your theory is guilty until proven innocent?

like I said...... those people want everyone who disagrees with their lifestyle choice to have their rights removed

Last edited by jerofld; August 14th, 2012 at 08:50 AM. Reason: Edited out a specific insult.

HotRoderX

I am really lost as to how he pitched a hissy fit? All he did was voice his opinion. I could understand the uproar if he came out and said they planned to fire every Gay or Lesbian at the company. They came out and said Gay and Lesbians where not welcome to eat at Chik-Fil-A. As far as I know neither was done.

I think people forget there is a difference between discriminating against someone and disapproving of there actions.

Someone might not approve of someones particular beliefs, views, or opinons. As long as they Tolerate them and do not Discriminate. They have as much right to there opinion as you do yours even if that opinion is voiced.

To say they don't make you no better then the person you felt wronged you.

When someone starts trying to stop someone from doing something because of there opinion and beliefs then that becomes discrimination.

Personally I feel everyone is entitled to there opinion good bad ugly does not matter. I feel everyone has the right to voice that opinion because that's what 1st amendment is about.

Last edited by jerofld; August 14th, 2012 at 08:53 AM. Reason: Fixed the quote

A.Nonymous

What exactly has he done that constitutes "pitching a fit"? I'm unclear on what he's done besides voice his opinion.

Hasn't happened yet, but politicians in Boston, Philly and Chicago have all said they will oppose the restaurant opening and work to keep it from opening. Here in my state there are petitions being circulated at some of the universities to have Chick-fil-a booted from their campuses. Again, for no other reason than they disagree with the politics of the CEO.

No one, to my knowledge, has alleged that Chick-fil-a has discriminated against anyone because of their sexual orientation. If they have, I'd like to hear about it. So far, I've not heard that. I'm assuming you have heard of such things since you are in favor of the various local governments blocking the opening of new restaurants.

Last edited by jerofld; August 14th, 2012 at 08:54 AM. Reason: Fixed quote

PH8AL

Personally I think Homosexuality is disgusting but I am very pro rights. The Government has no right interfering in our lives the way they do.

I understand protesting but I agree the GR Movement goes about it wrong.

The true price of liberty is putting up with other peoples freedom. But some of the GRM tactics go to far and are offensive to a lot of people like me who don't support what they are doing just their right to do it.

Same goes for Chic filet. They got a right to their point of view and face it in a free society a man who has a company should be able to run it by his beliefs including who he wants to employ.

Goes back to the same line of thought I often go down, I hate every thing the KKK stands for but would step up to defend their rights to say them as long as they don't cross the line and infringe some one elses rights. If we let the Government limit the free speech of some one else its only a short time before they are knocking at the door wanting to shut us up.

Boycotts often backfire and draw more support to the one being boycotted than more people to support the boycott.

Smartest thing to do is take it with a grain of salt and don't make a big deal out of it and you then marginalize them.

Last edited by PH8AL; July 29th, 2012 at 02:44 PM.

OutofDate1980

Chick-Fil-A has been sued in 12 incidents and counting for employment discrimination. Employment discrimination is very difficult to prove. Usually it's done in private with no witnesses. Also, it's very expensive to litigate, not unusual for a $30k retainer, which often amount to just 10% of the final cost.

I advise any that suspect discrimination to be wired as a memory aid. There are many devices that can be concealed as a belt, tie, watch, etc... that will do the job. Also retain copies or emails or other documents off-site that seem a bit odd, as discovery is very expensive.

Dan Cathy also gives many $millions to groups that promote discrimination.

Dan Cathy is promoting the denial of a right between two individuals to enter a legal contract due to religious beliefs. He is attempting to influence laws to have government enforce his religious beliefs on others.

He is now in the public arena, so expect others to question if his business is good for the community and the public to question, if they wish to purchase the product.

Dan Cathy is not being prosecuted for his exercise of the 1st Amendment. It's just a business decision being made by local communities if what this business represents fits within the needs of the community.

A.Nonymous

Chick-fil-a was started in 1946. If it's only been sued 12 times since then (don't know what your source is) then it is way, way ahead of the curb for a fast food chain. Regardless of that, do these suits allege discrimination based on sexual orientation. If not, they're completely irrelevant to the conversation.

So, again, you're in favor of the government denying someone the permits to operate his/her business based on the political opinions of the CEO? If so, how is that not a violation of the First Amendment?

PH8AL

I don't believe that is what was said at all.

What he said was, elected Community Leaders have the right to deny applications for business permits. Not "the Government"...

I love their chicken sandwiches and the service is usually pretty good but I stopped eating there years ago because I don't give my money to any company who gives large contributions to the fanatics on either extreme. Im sure he really doesn't care about my little bit of money but I sleep better.

Does make me wonder when we are going to change the legal status of Christian Churches and Organizations and hold them to the standard of political groups. They should not enjoy the benefits of religious protection if they want to be in politics.

Last edited by PH8AL; July 29th, 2012 at 09:52 PM.

Bob Blaylock

“Elected Community Leaders” are “the Government”, or at least a significant part thereof. The issuing or denial of business permits is a government function.

PH8AL

No there is a big difference between Local elected officials and what is implied by "the Government" And while business owners do have rights so do the people in these communities who elected the Leaders to look out for their best interest and whats right for their community.

ItnStln511

Talk about double standards!

A.Nonymous

No there isn't. At least not in my mind. The government is made up of elected officials whether they be elected at the national level or the local level makes no difference. Any time a government official says they will work to have a business denied the necessary permits they need to operate based solely on the opinions of the CEO that is a clear violation of the First Amendment in my mind.

EarlyMon

Thread cleaned up and re-opened. Posts by and responding to one individual who won't be visiting this forum section further have been removed - nothing personal, but no need to keep a record of that.

This is a thread about the political controversy involving a chicken restaurant and statements a major shareholder made concerning the gay community.

It's not a thread for arguing religious values or gay bashing or debating if our forums allow freedom of speech.

Your freedom of speech ends here when name calling, gay bashing, hatefulness and making things personal begins - it's just like yelling Fire! in a crowded theater, and we won't be having it, ok.

Please enjoy your discussion and debates, please be polite, and if it gets to be too much, agree to disagree and chose another thread more to your liking.

Cheers, thanks!

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EarlyMon

Silly me pushed the wrong button - sorry gang!

NOW the thread is re-opened.

Rachel A

I fully support Dan Cathy's view on gay marriage. As an American he has that right.

What I don't like is that Chik-Fil-A has been used as a political tool. Jeff Bezos donated his own personal money to the Washington fund. Dan Cathy however donated Chik-Fil-A's money to a group of foundations (and foundations of foundations) that preach hatred against the gay community. Some of the money was donated to at least one hate group (as defined by the Southern Law Poverty Center). This is not an assumption on my part - you can see these donations on publicly available tax returns.

Dan Cathy is the only one responsible for this though since he's the owner of the company. I do not feel that anyone should involve any other employees of CFA in this as it's not their fight.

For me, it's not what he said but what he did with the company's money that matters.

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A.Nonymous

Disagree with what he said and did with his money all you want. That's fine. Nothing wrong with that. Ban him from doing business because you disagree with his politics and that's wrong.

Rachel A

I agree. The mayors had every right to voice an opinion but no right to try to ban the stores.

Jordan

I reflect those views fairly closely Rachel_Ambler. Add that the whole thing of trying to politicize it seemed self-serving. There are many companies that operate on a "mission" of sorts which can include religious views (some are listed by the news sites that were reporting about the chicken place).

Too bad so many religious views, some loud ones anyway, include trying to narrow American rights down to certain demographics.

Using the edit button to thank EarlyMon the moderator for opening this again.

Last edited by Jordan; August 10th, 2012 at 05:38 PM. Reason: to thank the moderator

OutofDate1980

By Cathy by advocating his views so publicly, giving press interviews, etc... he puts his employees in the middle.

If his employees exercise their freedom of speech opposing Cathy's views, they fear the loss of their job.

Rachel A

Although we may have no proof that has ever happened I can see how the very fact of the recent media glare could make employees nervous.

OutofDate1980

Chick-fil-A Anti-Gay Controversy: Gay Employees Speak Out

"Andrew, a gay 24-year-old who has been working at the northern Alabama Chick-fil-A since January, sat in his car smoking a cigarette and watching the crowd during a break earlier Wednesday.

"I call it hater appreciation day," said Andrew, who asked that his last name be withheld out of fear he'd be fired. "It's very, very depressing.""

"One gay employee who works at Chick-fil-A headquarters in Atlanta, Ga., and asked to remain anonymous for fear of losing his job, says he is getting it from both sides. On the one hand, there is the customer who came in and said he supported Dan Cathy and then "continues to say something truly homophobic, e.g. 'I'm so glad you don't support the *****s, I can eat in peace,'" the employee, who is 23 and has worked for Chick-fil-A since he was 16, wrote in an email. On the other hand, he continued, "I was yelled at for being a god-loving, conservative, homophobic Christian while walking some food out to a guest in a mall dining room.""

Rachel A

I sit corrected.

OutofDate1980

I prefer standing.

OutofDate1980

Governments deny business permits/zoning all the time based on the consequences of free speech, such as male entertainment clubs, even though nude *dancing* is constitutional protected free speech.

phw8558

Sorry I didn't catch the story fully, just saw they got removed from Facebook. Are they pro-same sex marriage or against?

Rachel A

Against.

EarlyMon

Discussion with banned member deleted.

Follow thread guidelines or face consequences.

There is no third option.

Jordan

I don't think they do that. At least most of them. They've been through that all their life, well all their "out" life from the time they stopped pretending to be straight just to keep from getting bullied or worse.

But some straight people, me included, had to go through a thing of understanding that the gay expressions of pride etc are not to alienate us and make us feel guilty etc. I have gay family members, lucky they have educated me about these things.

A.Nonymous

Completely different but whatever. Zoning laws on adult businesses are different than those on restaurants.

Look at it this way. If Candidate Incumbent blocks someone from opening a business because the owner of that business publicly supports Candidate Challenger is it ok?

rushmore

Both Chik-fil-a AND nude dancing are cool One tastes good and the other is an art form

The guy did not say he did not like gays and only communicated his belief on marriage. Do we want him to lie about it, like a lot of politicians are doing and do on a normal basis? I would rather someone tell me the truth, rather than lie for political convenience.

Jordan

Which is which?

A.Nonymous

So this is a plan. Go to the Christian owner of a business that is closed on Sundays. Ask him his opinion on gay marriage. Be shocked and horrified at his response.

Rachel A

Like I said, it's not necessarily what he said - it's where he's moving corporate money to that's the problem.

He can say all he wants - however when some Chik-Fil-A money goes to hate groups then we have a problem.

How would you feel if he donated some company cash to the KKK? Company money mind - not his own personal stash.


As shocking as it may sound, being Christian and supporting gay marriage is not necessarily exclusive.


At the end of the day why are people so against the LGBT community from boycotting CFA? He said and did something we don't like, we don't eat there as a result. Is that really so bad, so evil, so wrong? Folk can boycott McD's because they don't like the golden arches if they want to. Who are we hurting by boycotting? Has our boycott prevented supporters from eating there? The exact opposite I'd say.

Or is this simply a 'hands off our chicken' mentality? Would folk have such a visceral reaction if he only sold healthy salads?

Last edited by Rachel A; August 11th, 2012 at 12:15 PM.

Jordan

I sure agree with that. All of the gays I know attend the churches in town, and no none of those churches are "gay churches" (whatever that is, but had to say that because the last time I mentioned that they go to church the response was "but they're 'gay churches,' right?" ).

The different Protestant Christian denominations can't agree on the Trinity or need for communion or an empty cross/cross with dead Jesus on it, I don't expect them to agree on sexual orientation either, so I can see why homosexual men and women might struggle with it but I can also see why they feel just as Christian as any straight person in the congregation.

Rachel A

Amen Jordan!