Chick-Fil-A Stands By Its Support of Traditional Marriage Affirming Organizations

Last week, I linked to a report from The Huffington Post that Chick-Fil-A had decided to stop giving money to organizations that opposed same-sex marriage. As it turns out, that report was in error and CFA has not capitulated to the demands of the gay rights lobby:

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/chick-fil-a-president-dan-cathy-we-have-made-no-concessions-on-same-sex-marriage/

From the article:

Cathy issued a statement on former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee’s website, one day after Chick-fil-A released a company statement arguing that their corporate giving has been “mischaracterized” by the media.“There continues to be erroneous implications in the media that Chick-fil-A changed our practices and priorities in order to obtain permission for a new restaurant in Chicago. That is incorrect. Chick-fil-A made no such concessions, and we remain true to who we are and who we have been,” Cathy wrote in his statement.The controversy flared up this week when a Chicago politician said the company was no longer giving to conservative groups, like Focus on the Family, that oppose same-sex marriage in exchange for being allowing to open up a restaurant in Chicago.In its statement Thursday, the Georgia-based company said its corporate giving was not intended to “support political or social agendas” but rather to support “programs that educate youth, strengthen families and enrich marriages, and support communities.”
_______________Whatever you think about this, I am glad that Chick-Fil-A is continuing to act according to their convictions. One should be able to have dissenting opinions in America and have reasonable discussions while disagreeing with each other. The call for gay marriage is getting louder and louder. Those who disagree on Biblical grounds should be able to voice their perspective as well.

Comments

[Big Daddy Weave]

My beef so to speak with CFA Corporate (I continue to support my local CFA as it plays a positive role in my community), is with some of the organizations that have been supported in the past.

Our nation is divided on these questions of gay rights. Agree to disagree there. But, I guess I see a huge difference between supporting Fellowship of Christian Athletes and supporting the Family Research Council (a difference that also needs to be conveyed to gay rights groups)

It's hard for folks like myself who recognize this distinction to then take seriously CFA's argument that they aren't trying to further some social or political agenda - while making such an assertion via MIKE HUCKABEE.

[Alan Cross]

Aaron,

I am not a fan of the Family Research Council or Tony Perkins for a lot of reasons, but I have no problem with CFA supporting organizations that oppose gay marriage. How many companies give to organizations that support gay marriage? It goes both ways. There are differing opinions on this issue and we should allow for all voices to be heard. I have never tried to silence anyone speaking their mind on this one way or the other. I have my own views according to my beliefs based on what the Bible says. In a free country, I should be allowed to speak to those beliefs. But, I also affirm the right of those who have different beliefs to speak their mind as well. Then, the people decide which way they want to go and we all abide by it, while still holding to our personal convictions.

Since CFA is a private company, it operates differently than a church does, obviously, but it still has the right express its views as long as it does not violate laws in regard to discrimination. It is interesting, however, that CFA's position is aligned with both Federal Law and the law of over 40 states. It is those who advocate for gay marriage that are actually advocating for a position that is against both federal and state law. Of course, it is their right to do so as that is how laws are changed, but CFA should not be seen as out of the mainstream.

How are your studies going, by the way? When do you finish?

[Big Daddy Weave]

I'm about two weeks from submitting my dissertation to my supervisor and then the committee. After some editing based on their comments, I'll soon schedule a formal defense for probably January.

Right now, I'm teaching U.S. History (pre-Civil War and post-Civil War) as an adjunct and looking for future employment (as my graduate school stipend is soon coming to an end!)!!

[Alan Cross]

Good for you, Aaron. I hope it all goes well!