LGBT community outraged as UK’s first Chick-fil-A fast food restaurant opens

The opening of the UK's first Chick-fil-A restaurant has sparked outrage in the LGBT community.

Campaigners have slammed the Baptist-owned chain for its funding of anti-LGBT organisations.

The company made headlines in US and UK after comments opposing same-sex marriage were made by the company's chief operating officer Dan T. Cathy in 2012.

It also emerged the restaurant's charity foundation had donated millions of dollars to groups seen as hostile to LGBT rights, Berkshire Live reports.


The opening of the chain's first UK restaurant in The Oracle, Reading, on October 10, prompted a backlash on social media.

In response, a Chick-fil-A spokesman said they were "represented by more than 145,000 people from different backgrounds and beliefs and welcome everyone”.

Some Facebook users said they would boycott the restaurant because of Mr Cathy's controversial statements and the company's funding for anti-LGBT organisations.

In 2012 Cathy spoke about is views on gay marriage: “We’re inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at him and say we know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage.

"And I pray God’s mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude that thinks we have the audacity to redefine what marriage is all about.”


The chief operating officer's remarks sparked boycotts from LGBT activist groups, and a counter demonstration called 'Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day' where anti-gay marriage advocates lined up in their thousands to eat at restaurants across the US.

Reacting to the restaurant opening, Rebecca Stenlake posted on Facebook : "You have literally got to be kidding me.

"You do know just how blatantly homophobic they are? 

"I’m ashamed of all involved in allowing this to happen, honestly. Utterly unacceptable."


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