Chick-fil-A CEO Will Not Be Talking About Gay Marriage Again

[DonViejo]

TOM KLUDT – MARCH 18, 2014, 12:26 PM EDT

The CEO of of Chick-fil-A has no interest in being a culture warrior.

It was nearly two years ago when Dan Cathy, the head of the fried chicken chain, voiced his opposition to both same-sex marriage and Supreme Court rulings that bolstered gay nuptials, setting off a firestorm involving activists on both sides of the issue. Supporters of marriage of equality called for boycotts, while social conservatives — led by Mike Huckabee — responded with a "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day."

Chick-fil-A has always had a Christian ethos, typified by its religious-motivated decision to close on Sundays. But while Cathy hasn't changed his position, he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution last week that he regrets getting involved in the debate.

“Every leader goes through different phases of maturity, growth and development and it helps by (recognizing) the mistakes that you make,” Cathy said, as quoted by the Journal-Constitution. “And you learn from those mistakes. If not, you’re just a fool. I’m thankful that I lived through it and I learned a lot from it."

Cathy said his decision to keep his views on marriage to himself came after prayer and a conversation with a gay friend who, according to the Journal-Constitution, "helped Cathy understand why marriage was important to the gay community."

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http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/chick-fil-a-dan-cathy-gay-marriage

[Timez Squarez]

1. Already too late. We've known chickfila is homophobic

and we choose to partake in chicken soaked in pickle juice.

[itsrobert]

2. Translation: He took a hit in his wallet

And is now walking a tightrope so customers will comeback while trying his darnest to not offend the bible thumpers in the process.

[onethatcares]

3. second translation

someone very close to him came out.

Hard to be an asshole when it means something to one you love.

[Lurker Deluxe]

10. sure

http://www.chick-fil-a.com/Company/Highlights-Fact-Sheets

Doesn't look like anyone took a hit. I still watched the Chick-fil-a Bowl game ...

As far as I know Chick-fil-a pays better and has better benefits than other fast food chain, of coarse that means squat because some old man thinks like an old man. My father, who is 83, thinks that way as well ... he is far from a bigot, he's just old and it really doesn't enter into his life. I have a gay cousin and when he comes down for a visit with my aunt/uncle and his partner my father opens his home for them just like any other family member and keeps his opinion to himself when they are around.

My grandfather was killed in WWII and my father has never really had anything positive to say about Japan/Germany ... he served in the Korean conflict and doesn't have to much nice to say about the Koreans either. He is also one of the most generous people you would ever meet and has been involved in some form of community service, usually through the church, his entire life.

People really can have outdated opinions on issues and still be good people.

[itsrobert]

11. Why are you posting figures from 2012?

Do you have an update? It's 2014 according to my calendar.

Since Chick-Fil-a has not released any new/recent figures since 2012, that should tell you something.

[joeglow3]

4. Good for him

Unlike many cynics here, I believe people can change. While it may be motivated by something else, I will give someone the benefit of the doubt. I still won't eat his products, but commend him if he truly is willing to grow.

[DonViejo]

5. Where is it reported that he's changed?...

The report indicates only that he came to understand why marriage is important to the gay community AND that he's going to keep his mouth shut about it from now on.

[joeglow3]

6. Ummm, the whole article is about change

He will no longer proselytize in regards to gay marriage. That is a good thing, don't you think?

[DonViejo]

8. Okay, I'll give you that...

I thought you were referring to him having changed his position on the issue. However, just because he's decided to keep his mouth shut, shouldn't suggest his wallet will be closed to anti-gay rights forces.

[joeglow3]

9. Agreed. Which is why I still won't support his restaurants.

[Bandit]

7. IMO it is not very smart to mix politics and business.

You always end up pissing off half your customers/clients.