Chick-fil-a President Dan Cathy has personally spoken out against media reports that the fast food chain will stop giving charitable donations to groups that oppose same-sex marriage, reports The Advocate.
On Friday, Cathy issued a statement on former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee’s website denying these reports, claiming the company has made no "concessions" to gay marriage supporters:
“There continues to be erroneous implications in the media that Chick-fil-A changed our practices and priorities in order to obtain permission for a new restaurant in Chicago. That is incorrect. Chick-fil-A made no such concessions, and we remain true to who we are and who we have been."
The surprising reports that the restaurant chain seemed to be turning over a new leaf came earlier this week, after Chicago Alderman Proco "Joe" Moreno declared that Chick-fil-A had agreed to cease donations to right-wing groups opposed to same-sex marriage. On Wednesday, serious doubts were raised after Cathy tweeted a photo from a "Ride for the Family" event, which is a fundraiser for an organization with a known opposition to marriage equality.
On Thursday, the company released a statement on their corporate website in response to Moreno's claims, defending their corporate giving as having been "mischaracterized." The statement noted:
"And while our sincere intent has been to remain out of this political and social debate, events from Chicago this week have once again resulted in questions around our giving.
A part of our corporate commitment is to be responsible stewards of all that God has entrusted to us. Because of this commitment, Chick-fil-A's giving heritage is focused on programs that educate youth, strengthen families and enrich marriages, and support communities. We will continue to focus our giving in those areas. Our intent is not to support political or social agendas."
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