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September 21, 2012

Is Chick-Fil-A Chickening Out In Chicago? (Updated)

Company says it has not "capitulated to demands of the supporters of same sex marriage."

Melissa Steffan

(Editor's note: This post has been updated to reflect a statement made by Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy.)

A Chicago alderman who criticized Chick-fil-A's philanthropic giving earlier this summer now says the fast-food chain has reversed course.

On September 19, Chicago alderman Joe Moreno announced that he would consider lending his support to the plan after Chick-fil-A said it would re-evaluate its stance on homosexuality. Moreno originally withdrew support from Chick-fil-A's plans to build in his Northwest Chicago ward in July, citing the company's donations to groups that oppose gay marriage and its potentially discriminatory hiring practices.

"For the first time, Chick-fil-A has provided a way to ensure that their employees know that discrimination will not be tolerated," Moreno said Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Yet, Chick-fil-A has not publicly validated media reports of such agreements.

Mike Huckabee posted a statement on his website from Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy. Cathy said reports that Chick-fil-A had "capitulated to demands of the supporters of same sex marriage" were untrue.

"Chick-fil-A made no such concessions, and we remain true to who we are and who we have been," the statement said.

Chick-fil-A released a statement on its website saying that its "sincere intent has been to remain out of this political and social debate." Moreover, the statement clarifies the company's commitment to "treat every person with honor, dignity and respect--regardless of their beliefs, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender."

Chick-fil-A previously came under attack this summer over its controversial support for groups like Family Research Council and Exodus International through WinShape Foundation, Chick-fil-A's nonprofit arm. WinShape also supports foster homes, overnight camps for children, and international aid work.

CT previously reported on Chicago's attempt to block Chick-fil-A, as well Billy Graham's support for the chain.

posted by Jeremy Weber | Comments (3)

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Why would this Joe Moreno say such a lie and the media hasn't jumped on it?. That's one big lie that can be proved it's a lie. Why would Moreno even say it? Where's the media on this one?

Posted By: Original Anna | September 24, 2012 10:59 PM

To defend the sanctity of same sex marriage and to teach employees to be non discriminatory are fully compatible. you can never reach those who you hate. Jesus teaches us to show love and compassion to all men.

Posted By: Emilio | September 25, 2012 2:30 AM

Emilio: The sanctity of same sex marriage?? Did you really mean that? Your sentence makes more sense as "To defend the sanctity of heterosexual marriage and to teach employees to be non-discriminatory are fully compatible." I would agree with that. Recognizing that marriage is inherently heterosexual in nature is not discrimination, and one's position on same-sex relationships doesn' t have any bearing on serving a good chicken sandwich.

Posted By: K Smith | September 25, 2012 9:07 AM

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