Chick-fil-A hubub strikes nerves on local level, too

Another "Cluck In" held today to show support for
comments made by president Dan Cathy regarding
his stand on traditional marriage values

Even though the nearest Chick-fil-A restaurant is a spell down the road, local folks dined on Chick-fil-A entrees today to show support for the chain amidst controversy regarding comments made by company president Dan Cathy.

Earlier in July, Cathy told an online Baptist journal that his company was “very much supportive of the Biblical family unit. We are a family owned business, a family led business, and we are still married to our first wives.” This statement could have been viewed as a dig at divorcees, but it was the gay rights activist groups that considered it hateful. To clarify, Cathy added: “While my family and I believe in the Biblical definition of marriage (between a male and female), we love and respect everyone, who disagrees.”

At issue here is the First Amendment which gives both sides of the same-sex issue the right to freely voice their viewpoints as long as the speech is not hateful, harmful or hinders the free expression of the other side. But Cathy's comments surely started a fireball of discussion that led to some boycotting the restaurants, and others showing support by staging a 'Cluck In'- with supporters waiting in long lines at stores throughout the country.

Mark Muller buys lunch for local Chick-fil-A supporters

Locally, businessman Mark Muller and supporter of Dan Cathy opted to bring in some 100 Chick-fil-A sandwiches and share with customers and friends at the Max Motors showroom in Butler today.

Around the country, it appears the words of Dan Cathy have, at least for now, been cause for a spike in business and is expected to last at least through the end of the week.

However, on Friday, supporters of same-sex marriage will have their say. They plan a “kiss-in” at Chick-fil-A restaurants across the country – encouraging gays and lesbians to share a public display of affection at the home of the chicken sandwich.