A Chick-fil-A franchise recently congratulated a pair of gay newlyweds on social media, igniting a culture war flashpoint on the faith-focused fast food eatery.
After a Utah-based Chick-fil-A franchise posted the congratulatory message on Facebook, conservative Christian critics quickly mobilized, alleging that the restaurant was turning its back on both its Christian values and its most loyal customers.
So far, both corporate leadership and the individual franchise are refusing to back down – even as the online outrage continues to escalate and spread beyond Utah.
A Congratulations Post Goes Viral
“CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HAPPY COUPLE!” reads the December Facebook post from the Orem, Utah Chick-fil-A franchise, with photos of the couple, Dougie and Toby, posing together in front of the restaurant.
Many commenters took the congratulatory post as a betrayal of the restaurant’s Christian values, with some even calling on corporate to seize the franchise from its owner. What might have otherwise been a routine social media post quickly became a loyalty test for a brand long associated with religious conservatism.
Conflicting Values?
Chick-fil-A is a darling of conservative Christians for its corporate culture based on the religious values of founder S. Truett Cathy.
Restaurant workers and franchise owners are expected to abide by certain biblical principles, and the restaurant is closed on Sundays in honor of the Sabbath.
The company's values have often been a source of controversy in the past, like in 2012 when donations it made to anti-LGBTQ+ groups sparked a nationwide boycott (a policy it later backed down on).
For many longtime supporters, that reputation has made the brand feel like more than just a place to grab lunch. After this latest controversy, they're letting corporate know how they feel.
Outrage on the Menu
“The fact that any location felt comfortable posting such a controversial message is further proof that the company hasn’t weeded out the LGBT extremism," wrote the Washington Stand, a conservative outlet which initially picked up the story. “The millions of us who’ve cheered as the script flipped on woke companies these last two years are left scratching our heads at Chick-fil-A’s tolerance of leftist activism.”
“This is not a marriage,” wrote one Facebook user on the post. “An absolute disgrace to Truett Cathy's faith and the God he worships!” wrote another.
As the comment section grew increasingly hostile, the controversy spilled beyond the franchise’s page, gaining major traction when it was picked up by national conservative media and turning a small-town restaurant’s Facebook post into a national flashpoint.
Corporate Responds
When contacted about the Facebook post directly, Chick-fil-A responded that the company “embraces all people, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity” – a statement that suggests corporate leadership sees no contradiction between its faith-based identity and a public posture of inclusion.
Several years ago, the company provoked anger from religious customers when it announced it would be embracing principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
This latest episode again raises broader questions about what consumers expect from faith-identified brands in an era of rapid cultural change.
For some Christians, the post represents moral compromise.
For others, it reflects basic decency – or even Christlike hospitality – extended without qualification.
What do you think? Does congratulating a same-sex couple represent a departure from Christian values, or a reflection of them?
45 comments
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Bridget Kielas-Fecyk
There's no hate like "Christian Love". Honestly, the problem is the growing ideology of hate and isolationism. They're no longer "following the bible" or "Following Jesus". They're following a doctrine of their own hate and claiming their religion supports their hatred.
More and more they want hate, violence, and absolute intolerance to rule, instead of inclusion and freedom. The old saying goes "Freedom for all does not mean less freedom for you." But they don't see it this way. It's the whole "My way or the highway" mentality again. Worst part? Many of their children grow up to be JUST as filled with hate.
Because HATE isn't something people are born with. They're taught.
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Ronald A Sherwood
I've always had a difficult time understanding why it's so hard for a certain percentage of "Christians" to love sinners and others they disagree with. Isn't the whole idea of Christianity to be "Christ-like" and love others as He first loved us? "God demonstrates his love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
Christ died for them as well, so it seems to me we could share a smile, handshake or good word with them now and then, possibly celebrate their joys with them, and maybe even see them as God sees them... Fellow human beings made in the image of God, that - I believe - would be much more apt to look into Christianity because of the tug of love instead of the threat of burning in hell for their "gross sins" that we don't understand. We're all saved by grace, so let get out there and share that grace with others.
That's my soapbox speech for the day, and - ultimately - I wish you all a blessed life. 💖
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Steven Ferrell
The corporation did not issue a congratulations to the gay couple, that was a franchise which did that.
The corporation said all are welcome at their restaurants, but did not itself condone the sin.
Churches are open to everyone, but most do not condone the sin of the alphabet lifestyle.-
Bridget Kielas-Fecyk
It's not an "Alphabet lifestyle". It's people following their genetic nature. Being LGBTQ+ is 100% natural, it's genetic, as a matter of fact. You see it in nature all the time, and you see it in humans who are, at the end of the day, still natural creatures. Still animals, mammals, to be precise.
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Amy Varela
What sin?
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Kelly Joseph Pardi
Regardless of the haters’ personal beliefs, tolerance is the law! Chick-fil-A is abiding by the laws of our country. Dougie is an employee and trainer at Chick-fil-A. Respect and kindness to all of God‘s children is central to Christian belief. Chick-fil-A does not have nor can they have a morality test for hiring people. They are a company and are abiding by federal statutes. Bravo.
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obere mchugh
ok, so one franchise congratulated a couple big whoop, have never and never will eat at CFA as i dont eat fast-food and never have so i wont be starting to help support the horrible institution of the fast food industry. i could care less that they were founded upon a christian framework, really in the end, if your a company and one in america personally i believe, you must be secular. keep religion and religious thinking were they belong, if you want your religion in business then i think they need a special tax for that, to which also goes for churches wanting to do business, as america should be 100% secular, keep religion out of the public sphere as in the end, your christianity is not the only one within the confines of the us, so get over your self. just because these people want to hide behind there faith to show the monsters that they are with there bigotry, hatred and diliusional thinking and though processes, to which isnt even there own thoughts cause oh my have your own thoughts and conclusions and make up your own mind beyond being a puppet for a corrupt tainted and atrocious religion that is used for every major atrocity since it inception. which is why im so very glad to have never been raised in hateful cult of the abrahamic faith's.
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Alexander Clarke
I do not patronize businesses that cloak themselves in religion.
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Walter J. Holbrook
SO WHAT.
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Alexander Clarke
And who cares?
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James Edward Cox
While many feel that they are stepping away from religion as some know it. Those that get most upset are basically doing the same thing. No one in this conversation is totally within what we teach. If you read the Bible you will find many things were you given different beliefs. You should not cut out parts that you’re not agreeing with.
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Ari Joseph Bertine
I'm quite puzzled myself. CFA has been a paragon of hatred for so many years now that it is shocking to see them allowing any non-bigoted posts from any of their stores. It makes me wonder if someone died and there is new ownership, or if it is actually possible for someone's heart to be softened. I guess we'll see by future actions.
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Valerie Catt
I'm way more outraged by the ingredients in their food. Food ingredients are mentioned in detail in the Bible. Let's start there with our outrage.
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Thomas Francis Bourque
I just like their chicken.
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Christiaan Wagener
I am just a humble human being following the teaching of christ as a guide towards tolerance and kindness. I am not ordained to take my own position in this practical world and can only guide towards the spiritual body of christ. I pray that we will hold everyone in that position of reference, tolerance, and kindness and understand the pain we cause by taking a position that is not in line with those basic christian beliefs.
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Roy S. Thorpe
It's funny how certain groups become "darlings "of the news media! From the 60s on, the news media including TV and movies has "discovered" certain peoples and pushed them to the forefront! Now we have gays in every facet of the news! Their lives, loves, clothing,and even ads for their medicines! Chic-fil-A is just jumping on the band wagon!
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Patricia Ann Gross
I find it interesting that the table has turned. A couple of years ago, companies had to pull down Pride flags, stop putting them on their beer cans and retail displays during Pride month or lose revenue due to the backlash by the conservative Christian wing rhetoric against the LGBTQIA+ community. Now one company is losing revenue for being openly anti-LGBTQIA+. Although I applaud them for seeing that these are human beings that need nourishment like anybody else, and embrace DEI initiatives, I will withold my notion to end my personal boycot of the establishment until I am convinced that they are no longer contributing to causes that harm LGBTQIA+ people or any other marginalized group. A nice press release applauding a gay couple by one restaurant and a DEI "claim" on their website isn't proof, but it's a start.
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Donald G Magel
I heard that their chickens were "transed" before delivery to the stores.
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Lawyer John
I have avoided Chick-Fil-A due to their conservative Christian ethos. This incident and the corporate response has me reconsidering that.
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Danny Wayne Waggoner
Love the sinner, not the sin. When a company cozies up to a group of people they give up their identity as a brand to serve good food, and still think of their employees. So what is the deal, Chik Filet, you sort of brought this on yourself. I always admired you gave Sunday off for people. Church, friends time, or just staying home and relaxing for your customers and your employees. Now the Christian fundies believe they own you. Sad.
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Kevin Patrick Dabbs
And this is the reason people turn away from God, so called Christian people who think they are better than anyone else . Read the post,, Didn't say they agree with it, just said CONGRATULATIONS, get off your religious hypocrisy, and follow what Jesus taught, LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF, ,, I congratulate Chic fil-a for accepting this marriage,
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Joseph Grieco
So, the company that provides financial support to countries where they execute Gay people for being Gay congratulated a Gay couple on their marriage. Someone's gonna lose their pension over this. Me? I'm just sitting back and watching the Holier-Than-Thou crowd go nuts attacking each other.
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Nicole Corrado
As a vegan Christian I don't agree with a place that factory farms and consumes animals. That is the sin of gluttony. However, there is nothing wrong with two men getting married. Since there is no male or female in Christ, these are two people who got married. Doesn't matter what their gender is.
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Donald G Magel
Whoa there Nicole, JC was a real manly man, a carpenter at that. Even Manlier than our beloved President Trump. Many]ru Magdalene thought he was really hot and she knew men.
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Peggy McFarland
When did condemnation become a dictate? When did Grandfather's gift of freewill erase differences, and by what authority? Freewill was given to us to aid in exploration of why differences pose an opportunity to discover the true reason for conflict in our beliefs. Our creator enriched our existence with differences so that our understanding of them provided a gentler world. Since that is no longer the case in the majority of the world, does that say God was wrong or that He failed? I'm joyful to see freewill still exists here and the owners of this franchise are not intimidated to show it.
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James Riggle-Johnson
One restaurant out of more than 3,000 posts a single congratulatory message to a gay couple, and the Christian far-right loses its mind. Had this been a straight couple, there would have been no outrage at all. There is, indeed, no love quite like Christian hate.
Now, some people are demanding the corporation seize the franchise. Whatever happened to a “free America”? These are the same folks who praise businesses for refusing service to same-sex couples—but if a company dares show basic decency, it’s suddenly all-out war.
Let’s be clear: Chick-fil-A still supports organizations that work to discriminate against LGBTQ people, so this isn’t some great moral awakening. A single Facebook post doesn’t erase a long history.
Go ahead and boycott Chick-fil-A if it makes you feel better—it won’t change much. That said, I was genuinely glad to see corporate issue a statement affirming service to everyone. Good for them. But as a gay man, I still won’t be eating there.
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Rev Elle
I stopped going to Chick Fil A years ago when I heard thy had donated money to a cause that hurts my LBGTQ friends. My friends are more important than fast food.
If, however, Chick Fil A continues to stand up for diversity and support ALL people, especially in these divisive times, I will consider going back occasionally. I feel like they have done a lot of damage and so I would have to see consistent behavior over a long period of time.
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Rev Ned
Evangelical Christofascists gotta hate. They need to learn to read, so they can, maybe, read The Bible and follow in Jesus’ path. Jesus was the “wokest” person ever.
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Colleen McAllister
it's really quite simple. IF being homosexual is a sin then treat gay people like any other sinner. Love them and accept them. But tell them what you believe. Above all don't lie to.them.
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Reverend Paula Copp
Why would any self respecting member of the LGBTQ+ community care what the general public thinks? You don’t like the fact that I’m gay? Easy answer… stay away. I don’t need your opinion. I don’t want your acceptance, and I could not possibly care less about what you believe. Many blessings.
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Sir Lionheart
And let them tell you what they believe, I’m sure they won’t lie to you. At the end of the day it’s just what people like to “believe”.
🦁❤️
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Rev. Roe
To Bill Thompson, I agree 100 percent with you. If. People are so swept up with this, perhaps they are not living a Good Christian life. God will be the Judge that counts!
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Reverend Paula Copp
Whatever their belief systems may be, I disagree with the policy of homophobia. I also think that if you don’t want to treat me well as a person, you don’t deserve my money…
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Michael Burton
I have never been to a Chick-Fil-A becasue a few years ago I understand they practiced archaic Christian Values and would not hire anyone but those adhering to the Christian "code". And I understand their chicken isn't that good anyway.
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Rev. BH
Bill, "...to refuse their service is an action that those in a free nation can reserve as their right."
Like refusing blacks to sit at a snack counter? Or buses, restaurants, movie theaters, and swimming pools? Like the good old days, Bill?
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Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox
Please. Do you not have more important things to become outraged over?? I mean things like poverty, homelessness, food prices, medical care expenses? But nooo. You get your nuggets in a knot over an in love gay couple being congratulated by a chicken restaurant. You “christians” are sickening, vile, and disgusting.
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Sir Lionheart
Yes exactly, I totally agree with you, especially with poverty, homelessness, and gas prices here in California. I’m sure other states have similar issues but here in this blue state it seems to be much worse. Money has been appropriated to help poverty and homelessness but no one seems to know where it went. People are leaving by the thousands. An investigation is ongoing. I hope our slick tongued governor never becomes president, he has absolutely no idea what he's doing, or where the money has gone. 🤷
Anyway, enough of that. Back onto the topic. Chick-fil-A have the right to say whatever they want. It’s amazing how many people get upset with the silliest of things that is not causing harm. People love to bring their own god into the equation on so many things as though their particular god is real…and matters.
🦁❤️
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Ronald A Sherwood
Thank you for your sensible reply. I've got about the same thing to say, but I'll post it anyway. Blessings to you and yours ❣️
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Marti Smith
The Bible translations used today were done under the guidance of Constantine. The Aramaic had numerous books written by women, mystical guidance and more. In order to translate the ancient language to the Greek and then Latin it is suspected that Constantine hired one man to set a version inspired by his personal beliefs and desire to control. Therefore; we see various books that are not flowing truths, but in some cases contradictory to other verses and books. Jesus had no intention to leave his role as a Rabbi, but to dramatically change the rhetoric to a Spiritual path of love versus hate. For decades women have been eliminated as ministers, church leadership and the respect given by Jesus and his Disciples. As ministers of an ordination process, we are given the ability to decide individually. I urge everyone to refer to the Apocrypha and Biblical scholars. Chick-Fil-A is driving a belief system not supported by the Aramaic. These owners are reacting as I believe Jesus directed us…..living in love and not in fear.
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Bill Thompson
We must live for Christ and not judge others - judgement is reserved for God!
For a bakery to refuse to bake a cake or for a caterer to refuse their service is an action that those in a free nation can reserve as their right. Those offended must seek the service elsewhere. It is those that judge that must resolve with God!-
Michael Hunt
Much like those in the South denied service to people of color during the Jim Crow era?
By denying to serve a specific community, aren't the bakery or caterer passing a judgement upon that community?
I don't see how we, in a free nation, can permit discrimination against others while truly being free. Freedom for some and intolerance for others does not make a free nation.
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Bill Thompson
We must live for Christ and not judge others - judgement is reserved for God!
For a bakery to refuse to bake a cake or for a caterer to refuse their service is an action that those in a free nation can reserve as their right. Those offended must seek the service elsewhere. It is those that judge that must resolve with God!-
Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
Ahhh, a double topping of religious drivel.
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Christians are supposed to follow Jesus and his teachings, right? I mean, that's what they claim. I'd appreciate any alleged Christian showing me where in any of Jesus' teachings he said anything about homosexuality. Don't bring up Leviticus. That was Moses. Besides, you'd have to stone to death anyone who wore a cotton-poly blend shirt or served shrimp cocktail at a picnic, so forget that Old Testament nonsense. And I don't care what Paul said. He was a misogynist of epic proportions, so forget him, too.
If you claim to be a Christian, you MUST follow Jesus' teachings and forget about the Old Testament and whatever ridiculous tripe Paul spewed. Jesus said to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, care for those who are in need, and welcome the stranger. If you don't do those things, you're a hypocrite. He will know you not at the last day.
Thank you, Amy. God gave us brain for discernment - Her most under-appreciated gift!