Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy recently announced his support for “traditional marriage” in an interview with the Biblical Recorder, North Carolina’s Baptist newspaper.
“We are very much supportive of the family – the biblical definition of the family unit,” Cathy said.
He offered no apologies for coming out against gay marriage, saying in a follow-up interview that the organization is “guilty as charged.”
Then again, he didn’t need to offer an apology. It is his company. It is his opinion. As long as his opinion is an accurate depiction of the company’s ideals, there is no problem with his statements.
Some have boldly denounced the fast-food chain, promising to boycott its products. Protesters shouldn’t be surprised. Chick-fil-A has a long history of exhibiting Christian values.
The most obvious display of those values is being closed on Sundays. The chain also donates a portion of its revenue back to conservative charities, such as Family Research Council and Exodus International. Both are opposed to same-sex marriage.
Until a few days ago, Chick-fil-A had done everything except publicly announce its opposition to same-sex marriage.
Let’s be clear, Cathy didn’t reject gay marriage. He didn’t denounce members of the LGBT community. Protesters are acting as if the latest comments are shocking and repulsive. He simply voiced his support for the same values that his company has consistently shown.
As of Monday afternoon, more than 4,075 people had signed a pledge at Causes.com to boycott Chick-fil-A. The petition is sponsored by the Trevor Project, a national organization focused on suicide prevention efforts for LGBT youth.
“As customers, we can no longer stomach your intolerance and disrespect for countless LGBT citizens,” the pledge reads. “Until your company’s values reflect the freedoms and dignities that all American citizens are due, we will no longer eat at Chick-fil-A.”
Cathy is not being intolerant by voicing his support for traditional marriage. If he didn’t want business from the LGBT community, he would have banned them a long time ago.
Chick-fil-A isn’t the only food corporation to publicly express its Christian values.
In-N-Out Burger has printed references to biblical verses on its packaging since the early 1980s. John 3:16 appears on the bottom of their soft drink cups. The verse reads: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Tyson Foods Inc., the world’s largest chicken company, employs a team of chaplains who minister to employees at production facilities and corporate offices. Other corporations contract out similar services, but it is rare for a company to keep chaplains on the payroll.
Hobby Lobby, a popular chain of approximately 450 craft stores, publicly broadcasts its Christian beliefs in its mission statement. It reads: “Honoring the Lord in all we do by operating the company in a manner consistent with Biblical principles.”
First off, I don’t understand why a company that publicly expressed its views caused such an uproar. The whole issue comes down to free speech. It is Cathy’s right to speak about his marriage views, if he feels so inclined. He didn’t do it in an offensive way. He simply stated his support of the biblical definition of marriage – one man and one woman.
What is an organization that is closed on Sundays to observe the Sabbath supposed to say to a Baptist news organization? Did anyone really expect Cathy to come out in support of gay marriage?
His company embraces conservative ideals and was speaking to a conservative news organization. He wouldn’t respond any other way.
Secondly, why does it matter that Cathy is supportive of traditional marriage?
If protesters are going to voice their opposition, they should be sure to protest all of these companies for showing their “disrespect for countless LGBT citizens.”
Chick-fil-A is not discriminating against lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transexuals. Its president simply expressed his views. If those views conflict with yours, then maybe it is time to find a different chicken establishment.
But if you realize that it is just food, then Cathy’s decision will not change your meal choices.
A company doesn’t have to mirror your beliefs for you to consume their products.
Joshua Bergeron is a 20-year-old mass communication senior from Fayetteville, N.C. Follow him on Twitter @joshpberg.
 
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