In today’s society, the controversy over same sex marriage seems to infiltrate every aspect of media. From television shows like Modern Family and Glee that promote equality and give viewers an inside look at lesbian and gay relations, to restaurants advertising opposition to same sex marriage, the controversy is seen in every aspect of our everyday lives. The smallest decisions, even where you choose to eat lunch, can reflect your position on the relevant topic.
On July 16, 2012, Chick-fil-A’s chief operating officer Dan Cathy made a public statement opposing LGBT rights. In his statement he asserted that we, as a nation, are inviting God’s judgment by having an arrogant attitude about same sex marriage that conflicts with God’s constitution of marriage, that between a man and a woman. The reaction spawning from Cathy’s controversial statement and his support of anti-gay organizations exploded in the media in the weeks following. Students at New York University and North Eastern University voiced their concern with Chick-fil-A’s values by opposing plans for Chick-fil-A franchises on their campuses. They disagreed with the company’s choice to donate money to anti-gay organizations, and used petitions to stop the support of Chick-fil-A’s and their anti-gay stance on marriage. Mayors Thomas Menino of Boston, Rahm Emanueal of Chicago, and Edwin M. Lee of San Fransico all criticized Cathy for his disrespect for LGBT groups, and as a result they all proposed bans on Chick-fil-A’s building in their cities.
Counter attacks from legal experts and the American Civil Liberties Union voiced their opinions that business licenses should not be based on the mayor’s agreement with the political views of the executives. Some counter attacks on the issue also included the idea that denying permits to private business because of the speech of its owner is a violation of the First Amendment. Those who supported Cathy and Chick-fil-A organized groups to eat in the restaurant. Their support of his statement caused even more tension between the restaurant and LGBT organizations.
Politics' presence within our food choices is very apparent in today’s society. The push that Dan Cathy and Chick-fil-A felt from LGBT organizations forced Cathy to release a statement in July 2012 stating “Going forward, our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena”. This statement shows how influential politics can be within our food system, and how detrimental opposition to restaurants political views can be to their business.
On July 16, 2012, Chick-fil-A’s chief operating officer Dan Cathy made a public statement opposing LGBT rights. In his statement he asserted that we, as a nation, are inviting God’s judgment by having an arrogant attitude about same sex marriage that conflicts with God’s constitution of marriage, that between a man and a woman. The reaction spawning from Cathy’s controversial statement and his support of anti-gay organizations exploded in the media in the weeks following. Students at New York University and North Eastern University voiced their concern with Chick-fil-A’s values by opposing plans for Chick-fil-A franchises on their campuses. They disagreed with the company’s choice to donate money to anti-gay organizations, and used petitions to stop the support of Chick-fil-A’s and their anti-gay stance on marriage. Mayors Thomas Menino of Boston, Rahm Emanueal of Chicago, and Edwin M. Lee of San Fransico all criticized Cathy for his disrespect for LGBT groups, and as a result they all proposed bans on Chick-fil-A’s building in their cities.
Counter attacks from legal experts and the American Civil Liberties Union voiced their opinions that business licenses should not be based on the mayor’s agreement with the political views of the executives. Some counter attacks on the issue also included the idea that denying permits to private business because of the speech of its owner is a violation of the First Amendment. Those who supported Cathy and Chick-fil-A organized groups to eat in the restaurant. Their support of his statement caused even more tension between the restaurant and LGBT organizations.
Politics' presence within our food choices is very apparent in today’s society. The push that Dan Cathy and Chick-fil-A felt from LGBT organizations forced Cathy to release a statement in July 2012 stating “Going forward, our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena”. This statement shows how influential politics can be within our food system, and how detrimental opposition to restaurants political views can be to their business.