Questions for Chick-fil-A supporters and opponents alike…
Today has been declared “Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day” by Mike Huckabee. Tens of thousands of supporters of the Christian-based restaurant chain are pledging to eat all three meals there today in support of the company’s recent declaration of support for “traditional family values” and the “Biblical” concept of marriage as being between one man and one woman. Facebook timelines and Twitter feeds are buzzing with posts supporting CFA and pointing to the hypocrisy of those who are labeling CFA as “intolerant.”
Meanwhile, some LGBT groups have decided to stage “Chick-Fil-A Kiss-Ins” around the country. In act of protesting CFA’s stance on marriage, gay and lesbians as well as heterosexual supporters are encouraged to kiss or film/photograph kissing between members of the same sex in and around the restaurants.
The culture wars continue and the same-sex marriage debate shows no signs of slowing down.
However, this controversy is disturbing on many levels for those who are weary of the same-sex debate, present author included.
Full Disclosure: I believe in a pluralist republic such as the U.S., in order to protect everyone’s religious convictions and individual freedoms, government should only issue Domestic/Civil Union contracts and leave definitions of “marriage” up to individuals personal religious or philosophical background/faith community. This is not a perfect solution because there will always be disagreements on the issue, but it seems the fairest way to operate in a religiously diverse country like America.
More Disclosure: I have worked for CFA in the past and have good friends who own and operate a few of its restaurants. As far as fast food companies go, CFA goes above and beyond in terms of quality, service, hospitality to customers (gay or straight!), and charitable giving. So same-sex issues aside, they are one of the best food service companies in the country by any fair and objective standard of measurement.
That being said, both sides of “Nugget-Gate” (what I’m choosing to call this issue) need to seriously reflect on this issue and why it is they are taking the stands they are taking.
To the supporters I would ask the following for your reflection and consideration…
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Categories: Blog, Political/Social issues