Hate Chicken': D.C. Mayor Slams Chick-fil-A for Alleged 'Bigotry' Over Gay Marriage Stance (& Billy Graham Supports the Company!)

Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray is joining the chorus of leftists opposed to Chick-fil-A, a Christian-owned, fast-food restaurant chain. Like other political leaders, Gray has now publicly proclaimed that he will not support the company's expansion into the city after Dan Cathy, president of Chick-fil-A, publicly opposed same-sex marriage earlier this month.

As The Associated Press notes, Gray's comments -- which were made on Twitter -- mirror previous statements made by the mayors of Boston, Chicago and San Francisco. On Saturday, the Democrat took to the social media platform to lambaste the company, claiming that Chick-fil-A advocates "bigotry" and that he "would not support #hatechicken."

See some of his controversial tweets, below:

While he opposes the company's stance, he said in his tweets that he cannot bar or ban them from the area. Currently, the company has no plans to create new locations in Washington, D.C., and it has only two locations -- one food truck and another store on the campus of The Catholic University.

In contrast to Gray and his leftist compatriots, Republicans, like Sarah Palin and Rick Santorum, have been vocal about their support for the fast-food chain. Among the most intriguing backers has been evangelical leader Bill Graham. On Thursday, he issued the following statement:

"I want to express my support for my good friends Truett Cathy and his son Dan Cathy, and for their strong stand for the Christian faith. I've known their family for many years and have watched them grow Chick-fil-A into one of the best businesses in America while never compromising their values. Chick-fil-A serves each of its customers with excellence, and treats everyone like a neighbor. It's easy to see why Chick-fil-A has become so popular across America.

Each generation faces different issues and challenges, but our standard must always be measured by God's word. I appreciate the Cathy family's public support for God's definition of marriage.

I also appreciate Governor Mike Huckabee's leadership and for encouraging Americans to support Chick-fil-A on August 1. As the son of a dairy farmer who milked many a cow, I plan to "Eat Mor Chikin" and show my support by visiting Chick-fil-A next Wednesday.

Thus, it seems the nation is divided: To Chick-fil-A or not to Chick-fil-A -- that is the question.