Chick-fil-A Backs Away From Gay Marriage Fray
ATLANTA (CBSDFW/AP) - A Georgia-based restaurant chain that drew national attention when its owner reaffirmed his opposition to same-sex marriage says it's leaving the debate to politicians in the future.
Chick-fil-A issued a statement to that effect Wednesday when asked to comment on a claim earlier in the day that the company had stopped funding organizations that oppose same-sex marriage.
"I hope Chick-Fil-A and Dan Cathy's people seriously re-consider this they are going to disillusion many, not only christians, but lovers of freedom." said Dallas area First Baptist Church Pastor Robert Jeffress.
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Jeffress thinks the move by the chicken chain is a slap in the face to Christians, "Its obvious a business decision they feared the threats of government authorities or others who were going to stop the expansion of Chik-Fil-A" he said.
Chicago Alderman Joe Moreno announced the alleged policy change, which he said followed extended negotiations. He said as a result, he would no longer try to block a Chick-fil-A restaurant from opening in his district.
The company declined to comment beyond a statement saying it planned "to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena."
The move by Chick-Fil-A however is sitting well with gay rights activists. Michael Diviesti spokesperson for 'Get Equal Texas' setup several boycotts against the restaurant and said "Its something for us to really think about as a community and say, 'wow we really do have the power to change hearts and minds. '"
Anti-gay groups listed as recipients of funds in the past declined to comment.
(© Copyright 2012 . CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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