Chick-fil-A Controversy: Are Fast-Food Corporations Worthy of Forgiveness? | Eater

"This Atlanta-based chicken chain has been a polarizing cultural touchstone since CEO Dan Cathy and its affiliated WinShape philanthropy drew ire in 2012 for funding organizations that opposed marriage equality and promoted a conservative definition of family. Despite promises that the company would avoid political or social agendas, 2017 tax filings exposed by journalists showed roughly $1.8 million in charitable giving from the company’s foundation — including about $1.65 million to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a youth organization that requires agreement with a statement of faith that denounces gay marriage, and smaller sums to the Salvation Army, which has a fraught track record on LGBTQ issues. The revelations reignited protests that toppled some airport openings (San Antonio and Buffalo) but produced a much smaller backlash than the original boycott; many consumers appear to have softened their stance as the chain emphasizes product improvements (removing antibiotic-grown chicken and corn syrup) and expands successfully into big-city markets like Chicago, Boston, New York and Canada. On the ground, the restaurant experience feels neutral and pleasant for many patrons and employees, which has helped restore popularity — but critics point out the gap between welcoming storefront interactions and ongoing financial support for groups that oppose LGBTQ rights, leaving questions about corporate accountability and consumer forgiveness unresolved." - Tim Forster