Leave a Comment Sagesse
Chick-fil-A Protests Increase
August 1, 2012
By Matt Baume
The Chick-Fil-A saga continues, with a day of protest coming this Wednesday. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos gives two point five million dollars for a marriage equality vote in Washington state. The Democratic National Committee takes a big step towards endorsing the freedom to marry. Pressure builds on the Supreme Court, and there’s international progress from Scotland to Vietnam.
Protests continue over Chick-fil-A, with politicians from San Francisco to Chicago to Boston speaking out against the company. While cities can’t outright ban companies for being anti-gay, several communities have organized protests.
This weekend Laguna Hills residents picketed a new CFA location, and the Human Rights Campaign organized a picket line in DC. College students are petitioning to remove the chain from campuses in Illinois, Kansas, and Minnesota, among others.
This week Jeremiah Cillpam, owner of a CFA franchise in Hollywood, issued a statement distancing himself from the company’s anti-gay history. But reports indicate that Cillpam is a leader at a Christian Ministry called Young Life, which says that gay and lesbian couples are guilty of “sexual misconduct,” and prohibits LGBTs from serving as staff or volunteers.
This Wednesday, organizers are planning a “Chick-fil-a Depreciation Day.” On August First, supporters are encouraged to buy a chicken sandwich at McDonald’s and post a photo of them eating it on the Facebook wall of their closest Chick-fil-A.
That’s the latest news in sandwiches. Turning now to the November election, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has donated two point five million dollars to support a marriage equality referendum in Washington. Voters will decide whether to approve or reject marriage equality in less than 100 days. Polling on Ref 74 is currently too close to call, with 50% supporting the measure and 43% rejecting it. And there’s confusion over the meaning of a vote, with many not understanding that an “approve” vote means upholding the marriage equality law.
In Maine, fundraisers have brought in one point two million dollars for their marriage equality measure. The opposition, on the other hand, has raised less than fifty thousand dollars. Polling shows residents support the freedom to marry by a margin of 57 to 35 percent.
The Democratic National Committee is moving towards approving marriage equality in the official party platform. The plank was unanimously approved by a 15-member panel this weekend. Now it’ll undergo discussion at an August 10 meeting in Detroit. Then it’ll be finalized at the Charlotte, North Carolina convention in early September.
The pressure is on for a marriage ruling by the US Supreme Court. An appellate court hearing in the Golinski case was scheduled for September, but that’s been put on hold pending a decision on whether the Supreme Court will take the case instead.
Meanwhile, both New York City and Massachusetts asked the Supreme Court last week to rule on the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act. This comes on the heels of a report from New York that their first year of marriage equality brought two hundred and fifty nine million dollars to the state.
And there’s been plenty of international progress lately. Scotland has announced new marriage equality legislation that carries majority support in Parliament. If approved, that law could go into effect in 2013.
David Cameron, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, pledged this week to legalize the freedom to marry by 2015. And John Key, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, pledged his support for a marriage equality bill that’s been selected for a vote by the end of the year.
And despite a spotty record on human rights, officials in Vietnam are now studying options for recognizing LGBT relationships. But there’s bad news in Poland this week, where Parliament blocked a debate on establishing civil unions. Under some interpretations, Poland’s constitution may prohibit any relationship recognition, but the ruling Civic Platform party will continue its work on a partnership law.
Having technical problems? E-mail equalityontrial AT couragecampaign DOT org for assistance!
48 Comments Leave a Comment
1.
Derek Williams | August 1, 2012 at 10:19 am
What vast expenditure on both sides of this debate! I am glad that we're putting up this fight. It is a value worth fighting for, and a fight worth winning.
2.
RJ_Cake | August 1, 2012 at 10:23 am
Seriously. This CFA news is hilarious. 99% of NOM blog's posts over the past two weeks has been about CFA. I would offer one suggestion for a counter protest:
Don't by McD's or Wendy's or BK's chicken sandwiches. Instead, make a healthier chicken sandwich at home, pack it up, and use that.
This fight for equal rights is, of course, ours to win. It is only a matter of time before this religious persecution against gay men and women in the area of civil marriage rights is returned exclusively to the realm of the first amendment, rather than current state of things where the religion of the mob is used to persecute the minority.
3.
Gregory in SLC | August 1, 2012 at 11:24 am
I say a big THANK YOU to CFA for getting the discussion about marriage equality to the masses!
http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/01/us/us-chick-fil-a-c…
4.
Carpool Cookie | August 1, 2012 at 11:36 am
Maybe I will buy 10 McDonald chicken sandwiches a day FOR A MONTH, and eat them in protest (?)
All for The Cause, of course…
(PS: Is there a butterscotch sundae brand we're upset with, too? Because I could be induced…)
5.
Carpool Cookie | August 1, 2012 at 11:38 am
"Seriously. This CFA news is hilarious. 99% of NOM blog's posts over the past two weeks has been about CFA."
They're pathetic. As usual.
6.
Cat | August 1, 2012 at 11:39 am
Chick-fil-a does not meet my standards for 'ea(t)-quality', so I won't be dining there anytime soon
7.
Straight Ally #3008 | August 1, 2012 at 12:16 pm
A possible option: https://secure2.convio.net/glaad/site/Donation2?d…
8.
MightyAcorn | August 1, 2012 at 12:48 pm
Is McDonalds pro-equality though? For all you know, they contribute to h8 too. The point isn't about eating chicken sandwiches (or even blocking permits for new CFA restaurants, as the ACLU has reminded us.) It's about everybody using the power of their economic vote to reduce the amount of money contributed to h8 groups by the business owners that choose to fund them. Let's keep our dollars away from businesses that don't support equal civil and human rights.
That said, when you find an awesome equality sundae of either the butterscotch or chocolate variety, I will gladly contribute to the cause (and I hope Weight Watchers is on our side, too.)
9.
Mark Mead-Brewer | August 1, 2012 at 1:18 pm
I am so sick and tired of trying to explain to the H8rs that my boycott of CFA has little to nothing to do with what Mr Cathy said in his interview, but EVERYTHING to do with how he spends his coorperate monies.
He can say anything he wishes as is his 1st ammendment right….but when he steps over the line and uses company profits to fund hateful and dishonest campaings designed to limited the civil rights of others I draw the line.
10.
MarcosLB | August 1, 2012 at 1:34 pm
Here is an interesting commentary on the CFA thing:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-badash/chick-…
Depressingly, after reading some of the comments, some people just don't get the article.
11.
CHRIS | August 1, 2012 at 2:25 pm
I know exactly what you mean, Mark. They don't seem to notice or care. The haters really scored a big PR move over this one. I feel like we all got rope-doped into this, and it really pisses me off.
12.
nightshayde | August 1, 2012 at 2:33 pm
I've posted a few things on my Facebook wall about CFA — emphasizing that I'm not boycotting them because the CEO is Christian or even because he prefers discrimination to equality. I'm making it very clear that he is free to say what he wants and is free to spend his corporation's money in any way he sees fit. I'm just making sure he's not spending any of MY money to support SPLC-recognized hate groups.
I'm actually going to KFC tonight as my form of CFA protest. KFC is owned by Pepsi — a company that IS pro-equality. I hadn't think to put a photo of my dinner on the local CFA's wall. I think I'll skip that part since it would involve GOING to their wall.
13.
Mark Mead-Brewer | August 1, 2012 at 2:39 pm
Well good for you…and I mean that
It's sad however that the media continues to push the whole 'what he said angle' and NOT the facts behind the real anger at CFA.
We are sadly coming out looking like a bunch of whiney babies over this…..this does not look good for us at all.
14.
Mark Mead-Brewer | August 1, 2012 at 2:40 pm
I couldn't agree more Chris. We are the losers in this one for sure.
15.
John_B_in_DC | August 1, 2012 at 3:26 pm
Same here. It's frustrating that there's so much sloppy reporting out there, with most news stories completely omitting the fact of their donations to anti-gay organizations, which is the primary reason we're up in arms about Mr. Cathy's comments. These groups aren't out to "support" marriage, they're trying to prevent and take away marriages (and civil unions too!).
16.
Bruce | August 1, 2012 at 3:29 pm
I'm just sorry there is not a Chik-Fil-A restaurant nearby, so that I could join in the protest to let these people know that their exclusionary and bigoted attitude is not welcome here! I will be there in spirit, however…
17.
Carpool Cookie | August 1, 2012 at 3:47 pm
[b]<< this does not look good for us at all. >>[/b]
Eh….I don't think the story's really such a big deal. Even if certain articles don't put in all the facts, they come out in the comments sections, which most people glance over if a topic means anything to them.
18.
Mike in Baltimore | August 1, 2012 at 3:51 pm
I agree.
I just saw the NBC News report on today's CFA 'support protest', and not a single word that I heard on the millions of dollars contributed over the years by CFA to HATE groups.
19.
Sagesse | August 1, 2012 at 4:38 pm
@
20.
Str8Grandmother | August 1, 2012 at 4:47 pm
That’s the latest news in sandwiches.
21.
nightshayde | August 1, 2012 at 5:06 pm
There was a woman in our office lunchroom today who was COMPLETELY confused about the whole CFA thing. She was on her phone, trying to describe what she was seeing on CNN (the huge line outside a Texas CFA). She was telling the person on the phone that opponents of same sex marriage were lined up at CFA to protest. I just sort of shook my head and chuckled.
At first, I thought she was talking to another person at her table (she was behind me) & I was getting ready to go explain — but when I realized she was on her phone & wasn't sitting with anyone, I just chuckled to myself & let it go.
22.
chris hogan | August 1, 2012 at 5:16 pm
I wouldn't be too happy. The haters seem to be winning it today.
23.
Eric | August 1, 2012 at 5:42 pm
I point out the paying groups million of dollars to groups that knowingly and unrepentantly bear false witness is not a Chistian value. Nor is profiteering from selling unhealthy products to sloths and gluttons, to do so encourages sin.
CFA also does not buy chicken from suppliers that give employees Sunday off, nor are the chickens humanely raised. Eating tortured animals is not a Christian value.
24.
F Young | August 1, 2012 at 6:49 pm
"Scotland has announced new marriage equality legislation that carries majority support in
Parliament. If approved, that law could go into effect in 2013."
No, in Scotland they are saying 2015 at the earliest (same as England and Wales). Scotland wants to do a second public consultation first, for some dubious reason.
For 2013, France and Colombia are certain, and New Zealand is possible.
25.
Mike in Baltimore | August 1, 2012 at 7:36 pm
Remember, today was a skirmish, or maybe a battle.
George Washington won a few skirmishes and battles, but he lost many more than he won. But he won the American Revolutionary War by winning what turned out to be the most important battle, at Yorktown.
Basically, it's not how many skirmishes and battles you win, but WHICH ones.
26.
Mike in Baltimore | August 1, 2012 at 7:50 pm
Maybe you would believe a source that is NOT US?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-po…
"Ministers confirmed they would bring forward a bill on the issue, indicating the earliest ceremonies could take place by the start of 2015."
By the usual conventions of the English language, 'by the start of 2015' would mean, if enacted in 2013, and going into effect in 2013 or 2014, that would be before 2015, thus meeting what the Scottish Ministers stated, which was 'by the start of 2015.'
27.
RichB | August 1, 2012 at 8:06 pm
From Chick-fil-a's facebook:
Hey Fans. Another rumor related to Chick-fil-A that is currently in the media is related to the Jim Henson Kid's Meal prizes. We want to set the facts straight. Chick-fil-A made the choice to voluntarily withdraw the Jim Henson Kid's Meal puppets for potential safety concerns for our customers on Thursday, July 19. On July 20, Chick-fil-A was notified of the Jim Henson Company's decision to no longer partner with us on future endeavors.
28.
Mark M. (Seattle) | August 1, 2012 at 8:21 pm
Making people aware of the truth behind the protests and the outrage is a very big deal and sadly a story that is not being told.
This is not about words, but about actions.
IMHO
29.
Mark M. (Seattle) | August 1, 2012 at 8:25 pm
Oh sure…I believe that…… NOT
My mama didn't raise no fool
30.
Mark M. (Seattle) | August 1, 2012 at 8:29 pm
On a lighter side….all be it a bit 'naughty'
I apologize in advance if this offends anyone.
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/e86050c415/kfc-l…
31.
Mark M. (Seattle) | August 1, 2012 at 8:35 pm
They hear and read only what the want…and believe only what they are told to believe.
Pity the sheeple for they know not what they do……………….
32.
reformed | August 1, 2012 at 9:08 pm
At my local Chick Fil A, people were lined up like court cases striking down doma.
33.
Gregory in SLC | August 1, 2012 at 9:41 pm
yea, stopped by Utah mall to order new pair of occupational glasses around 7:30p and there was a pretty large crowd in the food court eating CFA and about 30 people lined up to order….looked like the same Mormon bunch who pushed Prop8 in CA. I can't make sense of why these people care how I live my life. Mark called it right = SHEEPLES.
34.
Gregory in SLC | August 1, 2012 at 9:42 pm
AMEN!
35.
continental | August 2, 2012 at 7:10 am
The analysis which comes with the BBC article clears up any confusion:
"Same sex marriages will not be conducted in Scotland before 2015. Scotland's deputy first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has confirmed that the start of that year is the earliest new legislation would take effect."
So 2015 it is.
36.
Seth from Maryland | August 2, 2012 at 7:25 am
Maryland Poll:Shows Strong Support for Maryland Marriage Equality Law,
Voters in Maryland favor the marriage equality law that will be on the ballot this November by 54% to 40%, according to a new poll by Hart Research Associates to be released later today.
Frank Bruni at The New York Times received an advance look at the findings.
“Hart Research surveyed Maryland voters between July 24th and July 28th,” he wrote. “Their answers suggested markedly more support for same-sex marriage than there was a year ago, though there was an even higher spike of support in a Public Policy Polling survey done in May, just a few weeks after Obama’s announcement. That poll showed a 57 to 37 split in favor of same-sex marriage.”
37.
Seth from Maryland | August 2, 2012 at 7:27 am
The poll also shows an improving margin of support for marriage equality among African-Americans, who constitute about 30% of the voters in Maryland. Some 44% of black voters favor marriage equality, compared to 45% opposed.
http://www.advocate.com/politics/marriage-equalit…
38.
Mike in Baltimore | August 3, 2012 at 12:01 am
In effect or effective date?
There is a difference, even if you (or someone speaking to the BBC) don't know it.
39.
continental | August 3, 2012 at 2:15 am
The law would take effect, meaning marriage equality at 00.01 someday in 2015 even if it's passed tomorrow. So that's really the only important date for gay and lesbian couples in Scotland.
As the Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is charged with leading a subcommittee on this new legislation, I'm quite certain he knows the difference and wouldn't confuse people on purpose.
40.
Fluffyskunk | August 3, 2012 at 5:20 am
This is all I have to say on the matter…
41.
Mike in Baltimore | August 3, 2012 at 10:57 pm
And you are saying that it can't or won't be changed (amended) a single iota, including effective date?
If so, you have no concept how laws are considered in a parliamentary manner.
42.
continental | August 4, 2012 at 2:12 am
There could be an amendment regarding the effective date. As it stands *at this moment in time* the new law will come into effect in 2015. The SNP also commands the parliamentary majority, so it really doesn't need to later amend its own legislation if it doesn't want to. That's considered sloppy where I come from.
And honey, I watch parliamentary proceedings in my country and in the European Parliament to get me off. Trust me, I know how laws are passed.
43.
Mike in Baltimore | August 4, 2012 at 3:08 am
So, you watch parliamentary proceedings in your country (btw – WHICH country?). And you are still saying that it can't or won't be changed (amended) a single iota, including effective date?
By the way II – please don't call me 'honey'. I'm NOT your 'honey'.
44.
continental | August 4, 2012 at 3:21 am
Who said anything about iotas? Effective date (which is *not* considered a small thing) could be changed but that's unusual with big pieces of legislation like this that have been thoroughly consulted upon. If they say 2015, they are going to stay with 2015. Honey.
45.
Mike in Baltimore | August 4, 2012 at 4:25 pm
1. You still have told us which country is your country; and
2. You apparently have no concept of what the term 'by even' means, otherwise you would realize that anything and everything in a proposed bill is subject to change or amendment before the first vote on passage of that bill. It is a very rare bill (except in a dictatorship) where the bill does not change in any way, shape or form.
3. And again, please do not call me 'honey' (to me, that is normally a derogatory name, usually used by dolts), unless you want to be called some 'complementary' name (such as stupid bigot? A-hole?).
46.
Mike in Baltimore | August 4, 2012 at 4:26 pm
Point 1. should read "You still have NOT told us which country is your country;"
47.
Mike in Baltimore | August 4, 2012 at 4:30 pm
Great use of bigoted, misogynistic and crude language to make your point.
48.
Mike in Baltimore | August 5, 2012 at 4:18 pm
I can't boycot CFA, since I've never eaten there, nor ever intended to do so.
Why start a new tradition when it's exactly the same as the old tradition?
Leave a Comment
XHTML: You can use these tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>
TrackBack URL | RSS feed for comments on this post.