UK’s first Chick-fil-A restaurant sparks outrage for its anti-LGBTQ history
The chief operating officer of the US restaurant chain opposed same-sex marriage in 2012
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
The UK’s first Chick-fil-A restaurant has sparked outrage in the LGBTQ community for the anti-LGBTQ history of the American fast food chain.
The company made headlines in both the US and UK after it was revealed that the restaurant’s chief operating officer Dan T Cathy opposed same-sex marriage back in 2012
Cathy said at the time: “We’re inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at him and say we know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage.
“And I pray God’s mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude that thinks we have the audacity to redefine what marriage is all about.”
The Bapist-owned restaurant chain was also found to be funding anti-LGBTQ organisations.
It was also revealed that the restaurant’s charity foundation donated millions of dollars to anti-LGBTQ groups, Berkshire Live reports.
Earlier this month, the chain opened their first branch in the UK in The Oracle, in Reading, and it quickly prompted backlash on social media.
Reacting to the restaurant opening, Rebecca Stenlake posted on Facebook : “You have literally got to be kidding me.
“You do know just how blatantly homophobic they are?
“I’m ashamed of all involved in allowing this to happen, honestly. Utterly unacceptable.”
Many people have said they would boycott the restaurant because of Cathy’s comments and the company’s anti-LGBTQ history.
In response, a Chick-fil-A spokesman said they were “represented by more than 145,000 people from different backgrounds and beliefs and welcome everyone”.