Gay rights advocates protest Chicago Chick-fil-A with kiss-in
Sat. August 4, 2012 8:48 AM by GoPride.com News Staff
a couple kisses friday outside chicago's only chick-fil-a
photo credit // instagram feed
Chicago, IL -
Gay rights advocates staged a 'kiss in' Friday night at the Chicago Chick-fil-A restaurant to counter Wednesday's Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day.
The Atlanta-based fast food chain came under intense fire by gay rights groups after President Dan Cathy admitted to being anti-gay during an interview published in the Baptist Press on July 16.
The controversy took center stage in Chicago when Alderman Joe Moreno, a vocal supporter of LGBT rights, said he would block plans to open a Chick-fil-A restaurant in his Northwest Side ward.
Although the owner of Chicago's only Chick-fil-A location, Lauren Silich, told the Windy City Times that she supports LGBT rights, a small number of gay rights advocates gathered outside the restaurant at 30 E. Chicago to participate in the National Same-Sex Kiss Day.
"Kissing won't change this company. Kissing won't change anyone who's against us. Kissing will only let our allies know don't buy a sandwich here. Don't give them any more money," Richard Streetman told ABC7 Chicago.
Equality Illinois had a team outside the restaurant collecting signatures on a petition to urge the state's universities and shopping malls from doing business with Chick-fil-A. The gay rights group will also petition Illinois lawmakers to support same-sex marriage.
A few married couples opposed to marriage equality dressed in wedding attire and protested the Chicago 'kiss-in.' The group was lead by the reigning Mrs. Illinois, Jennifer Cruz.
Thousands participated in the Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day on Wednesday, which was organized by former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, resulting in record-setting sales.
Related:
Chicago Chick-fil-A owner talks LGBT rights
Mary's serves up 'hate-free' chicken sandwich
TCRA files complaints against Chick-fil-A
The Atlanta-based fast food chain came under intense fire by gay rights groups after President Dan Cathy admitted to being anti-gay during an interview published in the Baptist Press on July 16.
The controversy took center stage in Chicago when Alderman Joe Moreno, a vocal supporter of LGBT rights, said he would block plans to open a Chick-fil-A restaurant in his Northwest Side ward.
Although the owner of Chicago's only Chick-fil-A location, Lauren Silich, told the Windy City Times that she supports LGBT rights, a small number of gay rights advocates gathered outside the restaurant at 30 E. Chicago to participate in the National Same-Sex Kiss Day.
"Kissing won't change this company. Kissing won't change anyone who's against us. Kissing will only let our allies know don't buy a sandwich here. Don't give them any more money," Richard Streetman told ABC7 Chicago.
Equality Illinois had a team outside the restaurant collecting signatures on a petition to urge the state's universities and shopping malls from doing business with Chick-fil-A. The gay rights group will also petition Illinois lawmakers to support same-sex marriage.
A few married couples opposed to marriage equality dressed in wedding attire and protested the Chicago 'kiss-in.' The group was lead by the reigning Mrs. Illinois, Jennifer Cruz.
Thousands participated in the Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day on Wednesday, which was organized by former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, resulting in record-setting sales.
Related:
Chicago Chick-fil-A owner talks LGBT rights
Mary's serves up 'hate-free' chicken sandwich
TCRA files complaints against Chick-fil-A