Politics

‘Real News From The Blaze’: Chick-fil-A Controversy Stirs Debate on Local Gov’t vs. Private Beliefs

Chick-Fil-A has been in the news of late. Liberal and LGBT activists have been calling arms against the Southern chicken fast food chain for some time due to Chick-fil-A’s WinShape Foundation donations to groups who advocate traditional marriage such as Marriage & Family Foundation, Exodus International and the Family Research Council. But “anti-gay” accusations and more calls for boycott have intensified after Chick-Fil-A President Dan Cathy recently told the Baptist Press “guilty as charged,” when asked about the company’s support of the traditional family:

“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.

“We operate as a family business … our restaurants are typically led by families; some are single. We want to do anything we possibly can to strengthen families. We are very much committed to that,” Cathy emphasized.

“We intend to stay the course,” he said. “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.”

Following the comments Jim Henson co. pulled their toys from Chick-Fil-A’s kids meals, a Chicago alderman with the support of Mayor Rahm Emanuel has pledged to block plans to build a restaurant in the city’s Northwest Side, and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino sent a heated letter to Cathy stating that allowing the chain to spread to his city “would be an insult.“ On the other side, former 2008 Republican presidential primary candidate Mike Huckabee has called for a “Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day” for their stance on the same-sex marriage issue, that has drawn the support of 2012 Republican presidential primary candidate Rick Santorum.

Can a local government block a business from operating because of privately held beliefs that may not be in-line with the leaders of said local government? Is it fair to distinguish between businesses based on values – a city council would probably not allow a porn shop open up next to a school for instance, but is that a fair parallel to what’s happening with Chick-Fil-A in Boston and Chicago?

These questions were asked on “Real News” Wednesday, watch a clip below:

Comments (40)

  • Reclaiming Our Nation
    Posted on July 28, 2012 at 12:29am

    “We as a people need to be more tolerant of views…….” said by a leftwinger
    “Unless you disagree with us, then you are a homophobic, unevolved, racist, nazi who wants to kill six million jews.” Thought by a leftwinger

    http://www.reclaimingournation.com

    Report Post »  
  • TerCham
    Posted on July 27, 2012 at 9:16pm

    Though I do not agree with that life choice, I believe they have every right to a civil marriage. I do not believe churches or religions should be forced to preform a ceremony that is against their doctrine and beliefs. You will never change the hearts and minds of people by force. These politicians and bullies only create more hate and discontent by their pandering and intimidation tactics.

    Report Post »  
  • COYNE2006
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 4:08pm

    if a company brought 1,000.000.000 to Chicago would the government care what they believed.IT all about money.that is why they let gays get marry.

    Report Post » COYNE2006  
  • uncleherbert
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 1:30pm

    Chicago alderman, Who gave you the right to judge, or restrick a private bussiness, it diffinnetly does not give you the right to judge The Cathys moral chracter, convicitions or principles. How about defending the DOMA, which is the rule of law not man!

    Report Post » uncleherbert  
  • MaxMagician
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 1:03pm

    When did it become legal for a city government to discriminate against a business because of its owner’s religious beliefs?

    Report Post »  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 12:21pm

    Makes me want to “EAT MOR CHICKIN” reaaaaaaaaal baddddd. :)

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
  • ChildofJesus
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 7:12am

    God’s way has often come into conflict with men and their pride. it all comes down to a choice. Chick fi la chose the narrower path that Jesus spoke of. I’m proud that they did and took a stand.

    Report Post »  
  • team1blazer
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 12:44am

    We’ll be there August 1st. When are the gay activists supposed to have their “kiss in”…want to be there for that to “spill some drinks”.

    Report Post » team1blazer  
    • joe1286
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 7:24am

      Would be nice to see the “Joker” there too:- )

      Report Post »  
    • Sorocialism
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 8:35am

      Advocating violence against people you disagree with is dumb. the “joker” reference is disgusting and you should be ashamed. You intentionally made it vague enough to deny that this is what you did but really…we’re not that dull here.

      Report Post »  
  • right field
    Posted on July 26, 2012 at 12:05am

    Freedom means being able to worship freely, live freely and speak about your beliefs freely without fear of retribution from those who may hold differing views. Freedom prevails regardless of whether you worship God, live in a relationship of any kind or believe in ‘anything’ as long as you do not harm others or prohibit life, liberty, & the “pursuit of happiness.” When the Democrats use the political system to punish free speech, demonize those who may hold traditional values, or attempt to limit commerce based on religious faith – then it is the Democrats who are spreading “hate” and openly demonstrating a lack of tolerance. The sword of freedom cuts both ways.

    Report Post »  
    • I_Love_Chick_Fil_A
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 1:26am

      Right On Right Field! We family values type people don’t go and protest every business that comes to town that embraces gay lifestyles. Disney is one of the gayest friendly and pro-LGBT places on earth but we all still take our families there and don’t protest it. All you fa*s leave ChickFil A the h*ll alone and let those of us that appreciate it’s values continue to support it as we like to do!

      Report Post » I_Love_Chick_Fil_A  
    • DOra Glasberg
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 12:26pm

      People are still free to worship freely.
      Is there a point in your post.
      The only issue is contributing money to hate groups (POSING as religious orgs)
      trying to overturn OTHER American’s civil rights.

      That’s the ONLY issue here.
      Three million last year to these hate groups by La Cathy

      Report Post » DOra Glasberg  
    • Just_Us2
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 5:40pm

      FYI, do a quick google search on Dora Glasberg and you will quickly discover she is a DNC employee paid to solicit vitriolic comments by making obvious ignorant comments. She is a paid troll. Don’t feed the trolls please.

      Report Post »  
  • Watermain
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 11:21pm

    I wonder if Chik-Fil-A would mail me some food? None of their stores anywhere near me in CA. I would love to be able to support them.

    Report Post » Watermain  
    • randy
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 2:46pm

      Buy a T short or Mug on their web site….. I just did :)

      Report Post » randy  
  • antimarxiest
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:58pm

    we have to inindate the politions and the left wing media advertisers and we all have to become orginized

    Report Post »  
  • antimarxiest
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:53pm

    and yet anothe fact 70% of the people in our country who have aids are homosexual males ,they have a 50% chance of catching aids even with a condom,the more condoms one hands out the more aids go up! so I say to you people-

    - dont lose your flair for the obvious,OBAMA is a muslim&socialist,a man and a man is disordered ,and we need to start bringing morality back to our country!…so we can have GOD at our backs! and we as parents have to get informed about the social issues of our times for our children,for example did you know that an abortion can triple a womans chance of breast and overian cancer! and natural family planning is as effective as b-pills and natural. get informed folks, the more you know the truth about the gay lifestyle the more you disarm the gays and the leftwing.

    Report Post »  
  • antimarxiest
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:35pm

    these stats from from dr.rich fitzgibbons,narth.org,…national association reversing the homosexual ( i think) that were ever gay marriage is made legal the voters access to vote on it was blocked. already 38 states in a row voted to protect marriage as a man and a woman,also thats why they(libs) dont want the people to vote anymore. our secatary of state MARK RICHIE and our atty general LORI SWANSON,ARE TRYING TO confuse the wording of the marriage amendment bill to cause confusion so people in minnesota wont know what they are voting for,MARK RICHIE AND LORI SWANSON are openly advocating to the voters to vote against the marriage amendment,and MARK RICHIES job is to protect the integrity of the electorial process,OUTRAGEIOUS LEVEL OF CORRUPTION!!! oh by the way where ever gay marriage is made law hetero divorce rates rises radically,thats because no one takes marriage seriously when they call a man and a man a marriage why would they? its a mock marriage,fight the schools because they are forcing this into the heads of our children in the classroom, dont allow it! in GREAT BRITIAN 35 parents were thrown in jail because they kept their kids home during gay studies day, that will soon happen here! they try to pass this in california but it got shot down.

    Report Post »  
  • antimarxiest
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:13pm

    only 2% of homosexuals live until 60,they have an average age in their forties. they have a higher rate of suicide,drug&alcohol abuse a 60% chance of domestic abuse,and a 98% chance of separation,they dont stay together because more times than not they have multiple partners .its all about the sex! the more this lifestyle is mainstream the more we all lose our rights,8 million people in california voted for prop 8 and 1 judge who was a homsexual himself threw all of their votes out so 18,000 gay marriage could be issued,the california citizens lost their right to vote,(how many of those gay partners do you think are still together today probably about 1000 at best,gay marriage is a myth!they dont stay together,now i am not saying to be haten! but this is the truth about their life choice that you will never hear any where in the media except for the catholic media! I had a reletive who was a homosexual and when i told him what everybody else was afraid to, he got counseling and now dates woman and cant believe he lived that way, but he had to medicate himself with drugs and alcohol to do what he did!…so dont fall for the gay lie, and everydody give chic-fil-a all the buisness they can handle, send a message to the libs and the gays your not pushing america around anymore

    Report Post »  
    • DOra Glasberg
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 12:28pm

      You are clearly a fiction writer.
      And not very successful at that.
      Making things up is not a christian value.

      Report Post » DOra Glasberg  
    • TeslanEdison
      Posted on July 27, 2012 at 1:41am

      yeah they did loose the right to vote, federal judges ruling along political lines needs to be outlawed. If it is determined that the federal judge is siding in anyway with the executive, or legislative branch he or she must be replaced, it’s pretty clear in the constitution. A judge is supposed to rule on facts, without facts being present a judge is supposed to turn down the case and or put the decision back to the people, the exception is in cases where life or property are put in danger. Gayness cannot be determined as a fact, just as much as religious convictions can be changed so can gayness so on what basis can any court decide for or against homosexuals. Marriage exists to the state as the fact that a man is reproductively capable providing what a woman needs to create a child, thus the state marries them so that the offspring have a chance to survive and potentially thrive from the input of more than one parent. Mothers who stay with their husbands need to be rewarded, vs the opposite, and husbands who are good to their wives and children should be rewarded, so justified and created was our system, it’s now getting more and more upside down.

      Report Post »  
  • christianUSA
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:09pm

    Opinion: This is the real distressing part of this that a govnm authority in US is trying to suppress by denying licensing or other means opinions or religious points of view of private individuals or businesses in order to force their or certain behaviors acceptance on others! Clearly this is against and violation of freedoms of rights. If only certain govnm people can have opinions or religious or ideological views than we would not in any since of the meaning be free people! Such people should be removed from any authority immediately. They are the true intolerant.

    Report Post »  
  • Virginia Rebel
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 9:53pm

    I ordered a salad, which costs more than a sandwich, a sandwich for my husband, two sandwiches for tomorrow, some waffle fries for my husband, and a cookies and cream shake for me. More than $20 for a great cause. The clerks were all smiling at the customers and the customers were all smiling at each other, too. It was wonderful. I can’t wait until next Wednesday when the crowd should be even better since it is getting earlier publicity. Chik-Fil-A, I truly appreciate you. If you want to see what gays are saying about Chik-Fil-A, there are numerous articles at Gay/Lesbian Topix. Check it out.

    Report Post »  
    • imsteph
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:09pm

      want to know why liberals/leftists are so unhappy?

      not eatin’ any Chick-fil-A chicken baby!
      Which just means more for us :D

      Report Post » imsteph  
  • fightinggranny
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 9:40pm

    Love Chic Fil A; have for years. I support their values, which mirror my own. Have 4 tea party groups set up for Aug 1. We’ll be storming our nearest. Thankfully, we don’t have to travel as far as others (I live in PA). Great Organization, great food (real shakes). Was there yesterday for lunch, and I need an excuse to go again. I found one. Eat more chickn!

    Report Post »  
  • antimarxiest
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 9:36pm

    homoSEXuals and lesbians and bi-SEXuals (in fact they are all bi-sexual they go back and forth hetero 1 night and homsexual the next) what they really are is sexual opportunist,their life-CHOICE! is all about the sex and they are the ones who declared war on the christian faith they think with the christian faith out of the way than they can mainstream THEIR SEX-STYLE,,the kind of sex they have kills that why only 2% live until 60 yrs of age…THEY ARE ONLY 3% OF OUR TOTAL SOCIETY. and can be cured with counseling and medication. so return to church folks if you dont use the church you will lose the church…we need to get GOD at our backs! so their LIFE SEXSTYLE IS REVEALED, A MENTAL DISORDER!!!

    Report Post »  
  • randy
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 9:16pm

    3 days away from a 165 mile motorcycle ride from Central NY to Penna. with 11 of my buddies to the nearest Chick-Fil-A for me. I am sooooo looking forward to this….

    Report Post » randy  
  • Baerlin
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 9:13pm

    And they say that they don’t profile. Now every little government busy body will get involved in the thought process of starting a business and it better tow the party line.

    Report Post » Baerlin  
    • blackyb
      Posted on July 26, 2012 at 1:09am

      Who wants to eat where they cater to gays who are known to be teeming with virus’ that are common only to their lifestyle? These people are not practicing cleanliness in their own lives and I do not want them handling my food. So people should be careful when they eat out and know they have a better chance of getting clean food when those who respect God and honor Him are in charge. These usually care about others and try to treat them as they would be treated. I see nothing wrong with eating at a place who stands for God.
      Those gays stand for what they want. If they want to live like that, then they should not expect others to pretend it is OK. God said it is an abomination and what higher authroity do we have to go to to find the Truth? They should study and find out the Truth. They want to argue, but they can either believe God or not take Him at his Word. That is between Him and them, but they should know God does not change. They can, though.

      Report Post » blackyb  
  • Mikev5
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 9:03pm

    This is America correct were everyone is entitled to their own opinion without getting tossed in jail or harassed? Just who do these people think they are and where do they think they are Cuba these people are so backwards they need to stop and think just what they are saying

    Report Post » Mikev5  
    • Mikev5
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 9:13pm

      In America the majority rules it’s just the way things are and should be. Now if we all want to be gay or whatever then it will change. Trying to force the majority to bend to what the misfits of society want will never happen and why should we? What Gays make up maybe 2% if that of the population of America the same goes for those that want sharia law yea get a grip if you want sharia law go back to where you came from.

      Report Post » Mikev5  
  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 8:54pm

    The reason the left acts like this , is to shut anybody else up who mat be thinking the same thing but to afraid to speak out……..

    Report Post »  
  • justangry
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 8:53pm

    I think it’s time for Buck Sexton to fly. Start your own thing, man.

    Report Post » justangry  
    • GoodSis
      Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:47pm

      Talk about an impressive company! Hearing about the trouble coming their way, the kids and I made sure to drop by for lunch today. From the drive-thru speaker I hear a friendly and coherent voice say, “It’s a pleasure to serve you, how can I help you?” We enjoyed a delicious Chicken Club Sandwich and their incredible Peach Shake. The chicken was a real piece of meat (not processed goop), and the Peach Shake was fresh and creamy, and went down great on this very hot day. During our 3 to 4 visits per year, they’ve provided tasty, yet healthy food, always with great customer service. Such sweet and competent kids serving us.

      Their stand on traditional marriage is another expression of the fabulous principles this company operates under. Other evidence of their principles is their attention to education and schools, and that they are closed on Sundays to observe the sabbath. What fast-food company closes on the weekend? No others in my area, but Chick-Fil-A does. Wow! God bless them with continued success.

      Report Post »  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 8:52pm

    Just went to Chic Fil A, the place was slammed as always. Waited 30 minutes, but I enjoyed my chicken, my son loves his chocolate shakes, and my wife got her chicken wrap. But there was this homeless guy sitting on the corner, eating a sandwich, with a sign.

    See, even the homeless won’t support the boycott.

    Maybe if GLAD wasn’t so MAD.

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
  • Mapache
    Posted on July 25, 2012 at 8:47pm

    I hope Chik-Fil-A orders a lot of chicken for August 1st.

    Report Post » Mapache  

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