Will There Be a Showdown at Chick-fil-A Restaurants?
By:
Updated: July 31, 2012
Christian conservatives and progressive activists may be headed for a show down in Little Rock and three other Arkansas cities over remarks about gay marriage that a restaurant CEO made.
Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy has said he supports traditional marriage and opposes same-sex marriage.
Some politicians and progressives have slammed his comments. They believe his recent remarks fan the flames of intolerance against gay people.
The fight has been making national headlines. Both sides are passionate about their beliefs. Now it may reach a flashpoint Wednesday morning as activists plan to hold vigils at Chick-fil-A locations in Little Rock, Jonesboro, Fayetteville, and Fort Smith.
Activists are not calling this a protest, but say it's a Vigil for Equality.
Just how controversial this is depends on who you ask.
"I really wasn't surprised that the head of the company came out and made the statement that he did and to me it's not the least bit controversial," said Jerry Cox, who heads up the Family Council, a conservative Christian advocacy group.
One activist says she's concerned the political-religious divide might become more divisive.
"I'm really worried...not for what we're doing but I'm worried people in the workplace are going to be provoking others," said Micah Qualls, who organized the vigil.
Last week, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee called on people who agree with Cathy to dine at Chick-fil-A restaurants on Wednesday to show their appreciation.
Activists plan to start their vigil at 7 a.m. and remain in place as long as they can, given the triple-digit temperatures.
Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy has said he supports traditional marriage and opposes same-sex marriage.
Some politicians and progressives have slammed his comments. They believe his recent remarks fan the flames of intolerance against gay people.
The fight has been making national headlines. Both sides are passionate about their beliefs. Now it may reach a flashpoint Wednesday morning as activists plan to hold vigils at Chick-fil-A locations in Little Rock, Jonesboro, Fayetteville, and Fort Smith.
Activists are not calling this a protest, but say it's a Vigil for Equality.
Just how controversial this is depends on who you ask.
"I really wasn't surprised that the head of the company came out and made the statement that he did and to me it's not the least bit controversial," said Jerry Cox, who heads up the Family Council, a conservative Christian advocacy group.
One activist says she's concerned the political-religious divide might become more divisive.
"I'm really worried...not for what we're doing but I'm worried people in the workplace are going to be provoking others," said Micah Qualls, who organized the vigil.
Last week, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee called on people who agree with Cathy to dine at Chick-fil-A restaurants on Wednesday to show their appreciation.
Activists plan to start their vigil at 7 a.m. and remain in place as long as they can, given the triple-digit temperatures.
Comments
last time i checked we still live in America and one of our founding principles is "FREEDOM OF SPEECH" heaven forbid someone says something that isnt politically correct these days, Dan Cathy has the right to say whatever he feels, its going to be over 100 degrees today so you people who want to have a "vigil' enjoy the heat and since your out there protesting i hope you dont want to enter the restautant to cool off because that would be a contradiction to why your there, i plan on eating at Chick-fil-a every chance i get
lloyd b.
August 1, 2012 at 6:30 am
Chick-fil-a has actively helped to finance discrimination for years, to the tune of $5million. Boycotts were planned well before Cathy's remarks were made. His remarks have simply helped to focus mainstream attention to his company's actions. For a so-called "news" organization to suggest that this controversy is in response to Cathy's opinions, is grossly misleading and unprofessional.
Jack J.
July 31, 2012 at 7:30 pm
