Chicken just got personal and it’s time to ask the question: Which came first, the chicken or marriage equality?
Well thanks to Chick-Fil-A’s recent boasting of its anti-gay contributions, it seems the very chicken the company sells to fund anti-gay causes may lead to same-sex couples legally tying the not on a federal level in the United States.
Let me explain:
When Chick-Fil-A head-honcho Dan Cathy flippantly announced his restaurant chain was guilty as charged when it comes to opposing same-sex marriage, the fast-food giant with the cute, literacy-challenged cows became a divisive political subject. It forced the nation to address the issue of marriage equality in a way that is more fueled than when President Barack Obama endorsed it back in the spring. Several cities Boston, Chicago and San Francisco uninvited the chain from building stores, the cuddly Muppets (owned by Walt Disney) severed promotional ties because of the remarks. The company’s brand approval rating nose-dived thanks to the announcement.
Let me be clear. This fight is not about chicken and it’s not about freedom of speech or religion. It’s a fight about the rights of your friends and neighbors who happen to be in same-sex relationships. It’s about equality. It’s about a corporation using the money it makes on its product (chicken deliciousness) to fight against marriage equality in the United States.
Is corporate management within its rights to express its opinions? Yes it is, just as the members of the Westboro Baptist Church are within their rights to protest at the funerals of America’s fallen soldiers. But just because they’re within their rights doesn’t make their actions any less reprehensible.
Whether or not you follow politics, support Obama’s second term or believe Gov. Mitt Romney is better qualified to improve our economy as president, you cannot support Chick-Fil-A if you believe in LGBT equality.
How can anyone who says he or she is a friend of the LGBT community support this company? How can you say Cathy’s religious freedom allows him to fight against equality of American citizens? That argument didn’t work in the 1950s and 60s and it won’t work today.
Political leaders quickly took sides. Sarah and Todd Palin used Facebook to post a photo of themselves gleefully holding their Chick-Fil-A sacks at one of the stores. Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee planned the Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day on Aug. 1 with the approval of Rick Santorum, one of the most anti-LGBT politicians to date!
The American Family Association defended the actions of the Atlanta chain, referring to those of us calling for the boycott of the chicken joint “vehement homosexual activists.”
If that’s the case, I will take on that title proudly.
You can argue that Chick-Fil-A is a corporation and that the poor souls who work at the front counter have no say over the company’s actions. You are right, but those same souls do have a voice and they have control over where they are employed. There are countless job opportunities across the street at McDonald’s, KFC or Wendy’s.
Franchise owners who say that not all affiliates share the views of the corporate entity (like the one local franchisee told food blogger Scott Joseph) are still advancing the name of the company and funding its cause. Selling a chicken sandwich and a side of waffle fries is on par with collecting a donation to battle equality. It fights against my right for equality.
Don’t say you support me, my relationship and my community and then give to an organization that is vocally and directly against my rights. Don’t invite me to your wedding, your baby shower or your child’s graduation if there’s even a chance you will fund a movement to discredit my relationship.
The battle lines are drawn and as views on same-sex relationships continue to gain acceptance in the United States, the nation will have to rule once and for all on the legitimacy of those partnerships.
As with any issue, education and discussion is key to reaching an informed enlightened conclusion, and when marriage equality is finally achieved in the United States, we just may have Chick-Fil-A to thank for that.
