Like it or not, come Aug. 3, Chick-fil-A is going to look like Chick-fil-Gay.
Following news last week that the Christian-leaning company doesn’t support same-sex marriage, protesters are going to hold a kiss-in at restaurants around the country. The movement is centered around a Facebook event titled “National Same Sex Kiss Day at Chick Fil A.” More than 1,000 people are reportedly attending.
Event organizers said its purpose is to support “love, equality, and the real definition of family.” They are also encouraging people to post photos and videos of the kiss-in for “all the world to see.”
Some Facebook group members warn that the event might do more harm than good. It “will only confirm a lot of people’s anti-gay bias,” reasoned member Martin Stone Hennessee.
“Nothing will change if we don’t change the minds of those who support hate laws,” added Este Ban, another Facebook member.
Last Thursday, the company announced on its Facebook page that it will leave the debate of same-sex marriage to the “government and political arena.”
“The Chick-fil-A culture and service tradition in our restaurants is to treat every person with honor, dignity and respect – regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender,” the company posted in a message that received more than 65,000 likes. “We will continue this tradition in the over 1,600 Restaurants run by independent Owner/Operators.”
The customer appreciation event is being planned in response to a rally scheduled for Aug. 1, by Mike Huckabee. The former Arkansas governor and Fox News host put together “Chick Fil-A Appreciation Day” to combat “vicious hate speech and intolerant bigotry from the left.” He has rallied more than 44,000 people to go to the restaurant next week, according to the Facebook group.
Since the fast-food chain publicly admitted last week that it’s against same-sex marriage, other organizations have also used Facebook to voice their displeasure. The Jim Henson Company announced they will donate a payment received from Chick-fil-A to GLAAD, a nonprofit gay rights organization.
Looking for an alternative to Chick-fil-A altogether? Austin chef Hilah Johnson has you covered.
Photo via Facebook