Why I no longer eat Chick-fil-A

Part of my job is to read the local newspapers, to get a feel for what and how they write in an effort to help my organization use the media to share our events. Today I came across some stories in my local paper talking about Chick-fil-A appreciation day. Apparently, gay marriage opponents are using today to show support for Chick-fil-A and for their very public stance  opposing gay marriage. And individuals that disagree with this stance are using today to demonstrate outside of the restaurants. I also follow local family event blogs, and some have posted questions on their facebook page, wondering if they should include Chick-fil-A events on their calendars. Sometimes the discussion has been polite and respectful, other times it has not.

When I heard a few weeks ago about the stance the owner of Chick-fil-A took on gay marriage and the fact that he gives money to organizations like the Family Research Council (an organization I believe spreads misinformation and causes harm) I decided that I would no longer eat their food. I mentioned this to Josh, who then jokingly said that he was going to lock me in a room for a few days with nothing but Chick-fil-A sandwiches - funny husband I have. But I choose to not eat their food not because they publicly made statement that I disagree with, but because I don't want my money going to certain causes/organizations. They have the right to feel the way they do and spend money the way they choose. I likewise have the same right. I make similar choices in other aspects of my life. I purchase products from The Body Shop because I support their fair trade/community focus. I purchase cosmetics that are not tested on animals even though they are more expensive.  I try to avoid clothing brands that have a history of using sweat shop labor.

Regardless of where you fall on the issue, I don't think we should use this as an opportunity to proudly post pictures of our Chick-fil-A sandwiches, or call those who are patrons of Chick-fil-A bigots and hatemongers. There are real people behind the issue - people who hold deeply held beliefs and have feelings.