In January 2011, the media reported that Chick-fil-A was co-sponsoring a marriage conference along with the Pennsylvania Family Institute (PFI), an organization that has opposed same-sex marriage legislation in California and Pennsylvania.[29] Chick-fil-A clarified that "one of our independent Restaurant Operators in Pennsylvania was asked to provide sandwiches to two Art of Marriage video seminars."[30] The WinShape Foundation also stated it would not allow same-sex couples to participate in its marriage retreats.[31][32] The Wall Street Journal reported that "Through their WinShape Foundation, created in 1984, the owners of Chick-fil-A have donated millions to various causes, including Christian organizations dedicated to preserving traditional heterosexual marriages."[33] In response, students at several colleges and universities formed grassroots efforts to ban or remove the company's restaurants from their campuses.[34]
In June and July 2012, Chick-fil-A COO Dan Cathy made several public statements supporting what he believes to be "the traditional family," saying about same-sex marriage that those who "have the audacity to define what marriage is about" were "inviting God's judgment on our nation".[35]
Several prominent politicians expressed disapproval.[36]Boston mayor Thomas Menino and Chicago alderman Proco "Joe" Moreno said they hoped to block franchise expansion into their areas.[37] The proposed bans drew criticism from liberal pundits, legal experts and the American Civil Liberties Union.[38] The Jim Henson Company, which had a Pajanimals kids' meal toy licensing arrangement with Chick-fil-A, said it would cease its business relationship and donate the payment to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.[39] Chick-fil-A stopped distributing the toys, citing unrelated safety concerns that had arisen prior to the controversy.[40]
In response to criticism of the Cathy family's support for "traditional marriage," politician Mike Huckabee created the counter-protest for August 1 called "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day."[41][42] The company reported that many stores reported historic sales for the event.[43] The company states that sales have set a company record; however, the company declined to give specific sales figures.[44] One location had to close early after nearly selling out of chicken in Augusta, Georgia.[45][46]
more from the NYT: "Few Resist the Temptation to Opine on Chick-fil-A"