CEO reflects on gay marriage controversy
Chick-fil-a CEO Dan Cathy remarks in an interview that he wishes he never got the fast food chain involved in the debate over gay marriage, but he does not take back his remarks. In July 2012, Cathy’s remarks on traditional marriage led to boycotts and support of the restaurant throughout the country.
Every leader goes through different phases of maturity, growth and development and it helps by (recognizing) the mistakes that you make. 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.
Supports ‘biblical definition of family’
In an interview with Baptist Press, Cathy supports his view of the traditional family:
Well, guilty as charged. We are very much supportive of the family — the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that…we know that it might not be popular with everyone, but thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles.
Study: $2m ‘anti-gay’ donations
An analysis of Chick-fil-A’s charitable donations by Equality Matters and The Advocate, claims that the chain donated almost $2 million to what it calls “anti-gay” groups such as The Family Research Council and Exodus International between 2003 and 2009. WinShape, the Company’s charitable arm received $8,067,161 from Chick-fil-A Inc. In 2010, WinShape donated $1,974,380 to:
- Marriage & Family Foundation: $1,188,380
- Fellowship Of Christian Athletes: $480,000
- National Christian Foundation: $247,500
- New Mexico Christian Foundation: $54,000
- Exodus International: $1,000
- Family Research Council: $1,000
- Georgia Family Council: $2,500
Chick-fil-A’s CEO, Dan Cathy:
We’re not anti-anybody. Our mission is to create raving fans.