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Chick-fil-A Dubbed ‘Hate Mongers’ After President Says They Oppose Gay Marriage

Jul. 19, 2012 12:31pm Madeleine Morgenstern

Image source: Baptist Press

The president of the popular fast food chain Chick-fil-A has ignited a social media firestorm after saying his company opposes gay marriage.

“Guilty as charged,” Dan Cathy told the Baptist Press when asked about the Atlanta-based company’s support of the traditional family unit.

“We are very much supportive of the family — the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that,” he said in the interview, posted Monday.

While Cathy’s comments are in line with Chick-fil-A’s history of espousing Christian values — its 1,600 chicken restaurants are closed Sundays — his remarks touched off a wave of anger on the company’s Facebook page.

“Disappointed in a company that believes in upholding the bible- except for ‘all men are equal in God’s eyes’. No longer a fan- and will no longer eat in your restaurants. Leave judgement to God and God alone,” read a post by Beth Hutter.

“Hate mongers! Never again! Not another $ from me,” Duke Richards wrote.

“One customer lost,” Nick Dialfredi posted simply.

But others rallied behind the company, writing messages in support of Cathy’s comments.

“Thank you Chick-Fil-A for standing up for family values! I will stand with you and support you by eating in your restaurants!” Tonia Sullivan Mahaffey posted.

Jennifer Wyatt Burgum wrote, “I love your food AND your values!”

Another supporter posted, “Thank you for all that you stand for and support. My family will in turn support your business wholeheartedly!”

In a statement to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Chick-fil-A spokesman Don Perry said the company does not want to debate the issue of same-sex marriage.

“The Chick-fil-A culture and service tradition in our restaurants is to treat every person with honor, dignity and respect — regardless of belief, creed and sexual orientation,” the statement said. “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.”

According to the Journal Constitution, the company also came under fire from gay rights groups last year after an independent operator in Pennsylvania supplied food to a group working to defeat pro-same-sex marriage measures.

Cathy acknowledged to the Baptist Press the company’s position was bound to be unpopular with some people, and possibly lose some customers.

“We know that it might not be popular with everyone, but thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles,” he said.

One of those customers appears to be actor Ed Helms, known for his roles on NBC’s “The Office” and in “The Hangover.” Helms tweeted Wednesday, “Chick-Fil-A doesn’t like gay people? So lame. Hate to think what they do to the gay chickens! Lost a loyal fan.”

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Comments (1113)

fablus
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:16pm
Hoping their sales go through the roof today. Will do my part…lunch can’t come fast enough.

Nice work by having a backbone. ;)

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Carlinpa
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:15pm
Well I know where I’m taking my kids for lunch next time… You really see the wickedness of liberals come out when ever you take a stand on American traditional values. To them there is only ONE point of view…THEIRS! Thank you Chick-fil-A !!

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Popp40
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:15pm
I was in the mood for a chicken sandwich…I see where I will be going to get one.

Stay strong Chick-fil-a

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DIVINEPROVIDENCE1776
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:14pm
“Hate mongers” Communist tactic: Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it. The commies have no tolerance for anything that does not go along with their goal of breaking down the traditional family unit. Marriage is a covenant from God between one man and one woman. Don’t like it don’t eat at Chick-Fil-A. The Commies have an agenda and use the gays anyway, gays are useful idiots for the larger picture…Communist totalitarian rule. Once the gays have served their purpose…to the gulags they will be sent.

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- angeleyes63
  Posted on July 19, 2012 at 8:10pm
  @DIVINEPROVIDENCE1776
  You hit the nail on the head. Strong arm tactics right out of rules for radicals.
  
  Report this comment
usmc1063
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:11pm
Hmmmm ? I guess I’m a hate monger too cause I oppose Gay marriage… The last time I checked it we still had the right to say so. But then again according to the Gay Progressive left we no longer have that right. Or atleast they would think that they do.

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SmarterThanTheAverageBear
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:10pm
We need more business owners like Dan who stand by their moral convictions.

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fablus
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:10pm
I normally don’t do fast food, but think I will be going to Chick-Fil-A today!!!

Way to stand up to your convictions. Nice work.

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carpee
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:09pm
i love Chik-fil-a

even more now.

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john vincent
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:09pm
Dont see how a mans honest comments equate with hate speech. I neither like professional basketball or nascar; am I now a rascist??? Somebody please show me where the owner of chik-filet has given ANY evidence of hate. You may not like his views, but please do not confuse differing of opinions with outrate hatred. And this includes you Mr Obama, for your callous and caustic ways you enjoy igniting the mobs. By the way, Chick-filets business will increase.

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jamesctheman
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:07pm
Now I just want to eat there more often. Who is going to boycott Chick-fil-A. I will put money on it that 3/4′s of the outraged people will be stopping by for a chicken sandwich next week. Apparently they are the hate flavor of the week. Next week somebody will say something else & all these boycott them idiots will be on to the next one. Now I’m hungry. Where to eat?

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cookcountypatriot
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:03pm
i love chic-fil-a..homosexuals should open thier own chicken shack…..they can call it gaybirds….now that obama has evolved i guess they have the green lite to shove thier twisted ideals down our throats..its refreshing that a christian company who im sure when they started that buisness layed it all before the LORD come out in favor of christianity….and because they share my convictions they shall get my buisness…chic-fil-a 1..homeosexuals 0

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ChildofJesus
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:03pm
Take it as a badge of honor Chick Fi La! I’ll be coming your way whenever i can. :)

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blackyb
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:01pm
Stand up for Chic Fil-A.

Fed those pig who do not like Chic Fil-A. We will see who is who. Better still, feed them the pink slime left over from the scam the WH bunch wanted to feed the American public. They can always get a doggy bag and take some back to the WH.

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CohenNadine82
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 12:58pm
what Sandra implied I can’t believe that anybody can make $8972 in 4 weeks on the computer. did you look at this site======>>> lazycash1.com

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Rickfromillinois
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 12:56pm
I used to go to Chik-Fil-A allot when I was stationed in Georgia. The have a very good product and I always thought of them as the best of the fast food restaurants. As of now there aren’t any in my area, but I have heard that there is going to be. If that should happen I will be going there at least once a week. I generally stay away from fast food now, but I will make an exception in their case. IMO it is a win-win situation. Good product from a good company.

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potvin
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 12:54pm
FOAD homosexuals!

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- MrSunshine
  Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:12pm
  FOAD! I love it. Can I use that?
  
  Report this comment
Tri-ox
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 12:53pm
““Disappointed in a company that believes in upholding the bible (sic)”" is a typical, hateful statement from a typical, uneducated, un-American, obama supporter – these people (liberals/obama cultists) are the most hateful people on the planet.

Chick-fil-A is, of course, wise to stand up for what they believe in, AND they and their valued customers will benefit from fewer low-life, angry, unstable, DANGEROUS obama supporters patronizing their restaurants. This hate-based outrage from hate-filled obama supporters has little effect on real Americans.

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MeteoricLimbo
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 12:51pm
Zowwie, Dan Cathy is opposed to redefining a word that’s been in existence for about 3000 years. Me to, I will go out of my for a Chick-Fil-A now

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OneTermPresident
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 12:50pm
All men ARE “created” equal….. it’s what some do after they’re created that’s wrong in the eye’s of their creator.

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- phillyatheist
  Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:02pm
  sure, and what if He thinks you’re doing wrong by espousing hate and fear rather than love and compassion? or does God whisper in your ear?
  
  “I distrust those who know so well what God wants because I notice it always coincides with their own desires.”
  –Susan B. Anthony
  
  i will continue to paste this quote until someone refutes it.
  
  Report this comment
- MrSunshine
  Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:26pm
  Philly, when someone doesn’t agree with a liberal, you libs automatically lable them as espousing hate and fear or being racist. It’s old man! I do not agree with homosexuality. I do not hate them. I do not fear them. I merely do not understand why they are that way….in other words it doesn’t make sense to me that’s all. I just can’t get 1+1 to equal 3.
  
  What I do “hate” is the innate and overt sexuality that homosexuals stick in our faces. What is the connection of two people that love each other needing to participate in gay pride parades that are nothing more than excuses to flaunt, flap and strut your sexual over zealousness. It’s nothing but a crude display of exhibitionism and flamboyance. I don’t expect or accept it from heterosexuals so I don’t see why I would need to tolerate from homosexuals.
  
  I don’t care nor do I want to know what you do in PRIVATE!
  
  Report this comment
- phillyatheist
  Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:29pm
  “I do not agree with homosexuality. I do not hate them. I do not fear them. I merely do not understand why they are that way….in other words it doesn‘t make sense to me that’s all. I just can’t get 1+1 to equal 3.”
  
  here we are in agreement. i don’t understand it either, but that i don’t get it doesn’t matter. they have their parades and such because they are seeking equal rights. currently, they are second class citizens and they wish to upgrade. i cannot fault them for this. i’ve known many a homosexual in my lifetime and the only time their sexuality has been put in my face is when i’ve asked about it in an attempt to understand.
  
  Report this comment
- MrSunshine
  Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:55pm
  Your point is well taken. The issue at hand is regarding Chik-Fil-A and the owner’s belief that marriage is between 1 man and 1 woman. They are not discriminating. They are not in any way stifling anyone’s rights….Chik-Fil-A is a restaurant and not a wedding chapel.
  
  I have gay clients and gay family members. I even have an old friend who is a lesbian. I don’t hate her or treat her ANY differently than anyone else. I don’t ask my other friends or acquintances about their sex lives not do I offer any info about mine. I think there are just certain aspects of life that are meant to be private (not a reference to in-the-closet).
  
  I think there are a lot of people in this world who just don’t embrace “lifestyles”. If you are defined by your sexuality or if you choose to live as a “victim”, so be it. Just don’t blame me or describe me as hateful or fearful. I didn’t have any role in your “lifestyle” nor do I want to.
  
  Report this comment
- The_Doors_Of_Perception
  Posted on July 19, 2012 at 2:05pm
  @onetermpresident
  
  All men are not “created” equally, you haven’t been paying attention. There are people born, due to their “creation”, who are unable to feel empathy. This can be caused by an assortment of things. Genetics and environmental…both or either or.
  
  So not only did god design them but he designed them to fail his commandments. Hmmm…..
  
  Time for critical thinking…
  
  Report this comment
- phillyatheist
  Posted on July 19, 2012 at 2:08pm
  well i’m glad we can be civil about it. you certainly don’t seem to be the hateful type. for the record i’m straight. i dislike (with passion) bigotry of all kinds, be it racial, gender, sexual, or religious.
  
  Report this comment
- MrSunshine
  Posted on July 19, 2012 at 2:40pm
  Philly, When I typed “you”, I didn’t mean you personally. I understood you to say that you are not gay (“Not that there’s anything wrong with that” – Seinfeld).
  
  Again, my point is not about wrath and acrimony nor is it about blind tolerance. I may not have a very high comfort level regarding homosexuals but I have never been anything but respectful of their humanity. I would like to think that this is a two way street. As a Christian believer I don’t automatically think of gay as evil but I would certainly not jump on the acceptance wagon because I just don’t consider it to be “normal”. I’m sure that sounds judgemental to many but it’s an honest assessment based on the mores, morals and life experience….I can’t help how I am, right? Over n’ out.
  
  Report this comment
- john vincent
  Posted on July 19, 2012 at 3:41pm
  phil
  ‘i distrust those who know so well….’
  agree. good quote. but what if i also quoted God’s word as proof of
  HIS desire? Would my simply referencing his desire be equal to my desire? I can say definitively what his desire is, yet, remain as one whose desire does NOT coincide with his. For example, ‘GOd wills it that ALL men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.’ That is HIS desire- it is His ideal, but since He is God, He knows it will not happen. Its like inviting people of all classes to a banquet, knowing ahead of time, who will not show-the onus is on the invited to respond-He does not force feed Himself on man.-yet, that is not MY desire; so in effect, I have answered both sides of your excellent quote. MOstly though, you are correct as to the main point. Therefore there is no need to refute, just explain in a better context.
  
  Report this comment
toomuchgovt
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 12:50pm
I wish I had one in my area, I would be going there everyday. I saw this guy speak, he is a great employer. I hope he doesn’t “evolve” to the 2% hate mongering homosexual community.

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phillyatheist
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 12:50pm
it’s ironic that they “slip you some pickle” on all their sandwiches.

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- MeteoricLimbo
  Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:02pm
  Only on request Athiest
  
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- phillyatheist
  Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:07pm
  not true. i’ve eaten there enough to know. pickles come standard.
  
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- riseandshine
  Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:30pm
  I take it you don’t like pickles?
  
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- phillyatheist
  Posted on July 19, 2012 at 1:33pm
  i do not. i never understood the fascination with pickling things. i’d like to make pickles second class foods.
  
  Report this comment
jcldwl
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 12:49pm
I love Chic-fil-a and especially like the fact they are a Christian run organization. Unfortunately I no longer frequent shopping malls so I haven’t eaten at one in some time. Guess I will have to go to the mall for lunch now. I have seen free standing ones in other locations but not around me. Stay strong with your Christian stance. The gay community only makes up approx. 2.5% of our population so that puts them in the minority of those that want approval of same sex marriage. Looks like they lose.

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USPATRIOT101
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 12:49pm
What an awesome company!! High quality product and great traditional family values.

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djsGA
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 12:48pm
I have had the pleasure of meeting Truett and Dan on several occasions. They are solid in their commitments. Chick-fil-A, you have my support.

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woodyee
Posted on July 19, 2012 at 12:46pm
RJJINGARRDSEN said –

“Geez, didn’t Dear Leader, 0bama say that he was against gay marriage until only recently?”

Only until he found out from a mullahs fatwah order* that sodomy is okay as long as it’s for jihad…

*scroll down “The Stories” list for the story

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