Gay rights activists plan kiss-in protests at Chick-fil-A restaurants
Updated: 8/02/2012 9:25 pm | Published: 8/02/2012 4:31 pm
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - The lines may be gone but the demonstrations for and against Chick-fil-A are not over. Gay rights activists are planning to hold same-sex kiss protests at the restaurants around the country Friday.
Holding signs with sayings like, “Chick-fil-A is Anti-Gay” a handful of gay and lesbian activists protested the opening of the fast food restaurant in Sugarhouse last year. They were upset over the company’s policy of giving away millions of dollars to fund anti-gay causes and organizations.
Fast forward to appreciation day 20-12 and those activists were well out-numbered by those who support the restaurant and the president's stance on gay marriage.
"We are not protesting the gays and the lesbians. We are just protesting against those who are protesting Chick-fil-A,” said one protestor.
Those protesting Chick-fil-A are the gay and lesbian community members and their allies, and Friday their expected to hold kiss-in protests at restaurants across the country.
"I think a kiss in is a fabulous way, a peaceful way to show your opinion about something,” said Valerie Larabee Executive Director of the Utah Pride Center.
The Utah Pride Center says there are no official plans for any kiss-in protests here in the Salt Lake City area, but that doesn't mean there's not strong opposition to what's going on.
Troy Williams said, "If Americans want to show their disdain for gay love by eating greasy fast food and risking heart attacks by all means get in line.”
Despite the large crowds Wednesday the LGBT community hopes there are people who are reconsidering their purchasing habits.
Larabee said, "We hope members of the community and our allies make themselves aware of the different stances and positions that individual companies make."
Larabee also points out that many Chick-fil-A restaurants are franchises whose owners may not have the same beliefs the company’s president stands behind. She worries the businesses may ultimately be hurt by Chick-fil-A COO Dan Cathy’s comments.
While Williams had some strong words for the Chick-fil-A supporters he has a sincere desire for both sides to come together civilly and fix what he says is broken with America. “Gay Americans, Christian Americans we have to get together,” said Williams. “We have to talk to one another, not just demonize and vilify one another. We won’t heal this nation until we sit down, look each other in the eyes and recognize each other’s humanity.”
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