Like millions of families across the nation, my family stood in line in the Phoenix hot summer sun, waiting patiently to get into our local Chick-fil-A. Hours passed while polite, caring patrons stood in support—not to “Eat Mor Chikin,”—but rather to stand firm for truth. As hours passed, umbrellas for shade were brought and shared, water appeared and was distributed, hats passed down the line and…no one left. It was a grassroots movement for something greater and a memorable moment for Americans holding traditional values.

The occasion for solidarity was that Chick-fil-A owner Dan Cathy had just been vilified by the press and “right wing watch-dog” groups—like the ones that call Family Policy Alliance® a hate group—for saying in passing that he supports marriage between one man and one woman. This prompted self-appointed radicals to descend upon Chick-fil-A stores where they hoped to intimidate young, service-minded employees and catch them in “gay hate.” Instead, what they found were well-trained young Americans responding to intolerance with grace.

It also turned out to be the best sales day in history for Chick-fil-A, and a loyal, nationwide Christian following was galvanized…until last week.

By now you know the Chick-fil-A Foundation made the decision to bend the knee to the Baals of political correctness and cut funding to groups who hold to a biblical definition of marriage, family, and faith. At the end of this note, I am including some links that provide the context around the story, including the people involved: Tim Tassopoulos, Chick-fil-A’s President and COO; the Chick-fil-A Foundation Director, Rodney Bullard, and his ties to a leftist organization; a statement from Chick-fil-A Owner, Dan Cathy, through Franklin Graham; and an article about Chick-fil-A Founder, Truett Cathy’s values.

Rather than restate what is in public, you can decide for yourself. However, I would like to share a few other observations:

• Family Policy Alliance supports our free market system. As a result, private business owners have the right to make decisions about who they serve and what to do with their profits. Notice, the controversy surrounding Chick-fil-A is never about their actual business—selling chicken! It’s about their values (and ours!) and who they financially support as a result of those values. Chick-fil-A can support who they wish, and we will stand for their right to do that. Just as we stand every day for the rights of the parent, the photographer, the wedding planner, and the Christian counselor who, because of their values, are being persecuted by radicals with the government’s help.
  
  
• We understand that this announcement to defund certain Christian charities came as a surprise to the local Chick-fil-A owner-operators around the nation, many of whom are Christ-followers and supporters. We are hearing that they, too, are equally frustrated with “corporate.” Over the years, Family Policy Alliance and many of our allies have benefitted from their generosity, so rather than boycott our local Chick-fil-A restaurants, how about we all double down and support them even more? In fact, you can click on the “letter of local support” below, take it with you, and hand it to your local owner. This letter encourages local owners to make their voices heard to their corporate leadership directly—perhaps a better way to encourage a course correction.
  
  
• Lastly, Christians—and Christian business owners in particular—need to recognize the times. Capitulating to the radical Left’s demands is not enough for them. They will not be satisfied until we renounce our faith and withdraw completely from the public square, or be persecuted. Instead of capitulation, how about we became more vocal for truth—not with malice and “finger pointing,” but out of love for neighbor. Isn’t that what we are called to do?

Just a few months ago, Family Policy Alliance proudly stood by Texas Values, our Texas ally, who led the way on the “Save Chick-fil-A” religious freedom bill that passed through the Texas legislature and was subsequently signed by Governor Greg Abbott. As quoted in the Dallas News, “The bill was born out of the city of San Antonio’s vote to boot Chick-fil-A from the airport based on its charitable donations to certain Christian organizations.” The new law ensures that state and local governments cannot punish individuals and businesses because of their membership or association with a religious organization, or because of their donation to a religious organization.

Our legislative advocacy prevailed – and in so doing we protected everyone (not just Chick-fil-A) from religious discrimination. We did not sue anyone as the Left does. Instead, we did what the constitution requires. We promoted legislation to remedy actual constituents’ problems, which was debated and advanced by local elected officials who are held accountable by their own voters. This is how we can, together, stand firm and advocate for good laws that support our values.

If you would like to support a local organization that is standing for you, your values, and the values that the Cathy Family says they hold, please check out our state Allies Page, click on your state organization, and send them a gift today! Together, we are your voice in the public square and in the statehouses across America.

Standing (in long lines and for a lifetime) for Family Values,

Paul Weber
President & CEO



Helpful Links:

Family Policy Alliance Support Local Owner-Operator Letter

The Values of Chick-fil-A Founder—Truett Cathy

Initial Story on Defunding Pro-Marriage Groups

Who’s running Chick-fil-A Foundation—Rodney D. Bullard

Who’s running Chick-fil-A—Tim Tassopoulos

Franklin Graham on CFA owner Dan Cathy

CFA Foundation Statement—Future Support