Is Chick-fil-A restaurant against gay rights? Anti-gay site claims affiliation with fast-food eatery
UPDATE #3: Group behind “Art of Marriage” posted many disturbing messages about gay people and same-sex marriage on its official website, plus Chick-fil-A president issues video to claim food donation was not an “endorsement.”
UPDATE #2: PFI claims donation was from a local restaurant, but Chick-fil-A has a history of being listed as a supporter of anti-gay groups.
UPDATE: Chick-fil-A has posted on their Twitter account tonight the following message:
”For those seeing reports of a CFA sponsorship w/ the Penn Family Inst, we are looking into the issue and will provide a response ASAP.”
”FamilyLIFE presents ‘the art of marriage: getting to the heart of God’s design.’ The Art of Marriage: 02-11-11. Sponsored by Pennsylvania Family Institute and Chick-fil-A…. On February, 11-12, 2011, Pennsylvania Family Institute and Chick-fil-A are sponsosoring 2 conferences in the South-Central Pennsylvania region:….”
Text that appeared on the website of the Pennsylvania Family Institute, a “pro-family” organization which is against gay marriage and ”the homosexual lifestyle.” They are currently promoting a marriage conference instructed by “pastors and Bible teachers.” After a gay blog, GoodAsYou, posted a screen capture from the site yesterday, the sponsorship from the restaurant chain Chick-fil-A quickly became an online controversy. The next night, the sponsorship seemed to have disappeared. (Good As You)
A 2009 Change.org post allegedly documented support from Chick-fil-A to Focus on the Family, a different organization with conservative, religious beliefs that frequently attacks LGBT rights.
The Chick-fil-A website puts the founder’s strong religious convictions on display — a video claims that the stores are closed on Sunday as part of a tradtion where the founder, Truett Cathy, would take take time off work and take his family to church to recharge his batteries spiritually and otherwise. It’s a little difficult to find, but a PDF about Mr. Cathy does spell out the “Chick-fil-A Corporate Purpose“:
“To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.”
A closely affilliated site, The WinShape Foundation, claims to hold numerous programs and retreats including the Premarital Boot Camp for those seeking a “successful Christian marriage.” A second, called the Romantic Adventure, says a “devotional notebook containing biblical principles for marriage” will be provided.
Below are screen captures of the anti-gay political site in question — a Google-cached version and the updated live version (animated gif):
The website for the Pennsylvania Family Institute includes numerous anti-gay posts with headlines like:
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