Verne Strickland Blogmaster / August 3, 2012
Posted: Aug 03, 2012 4:36 PM EDT Updated: Aug 03, 2012 4:36 PM EDT
WILMINGTON, NC (WECT/AP) – Gay rights activists were kissing at Chick-fil-A stores across the
country Friday, just days after the company set a sales record when customers flocked to the restaurant to show support for the fast-food chain president's opposition to gay marriage.
The movements stem from a statement made by Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy last month. Cathy told a religious publication that the company backed "the biblical definition of a family."
The statement sparked controversy among gay marriage supporters, who planned the so-called kiss-in protests.
Greg McCaw, a gay community faith leader in Wilmington, grabbed the attention of others in the gay community when he wrote a blog saying he does not believe same sex couples should protest Chick-fil-A by kissing in the restaurants.
"I believe the gay community has come miles especially in the past few years," said McCaw. "I think we have to be really careful about the message we send. The kissing for me. The idea has the potential of bringing back negative stereotypes for the community. Things that the ultra conservative right tell one another to make themselves fear us."
TR Nunley, the president for Wilmington Pride said he believes the national kissing campaign will help more than hurt. And despite Wilmington Pride not officially participating, individuals are encouraged to make their own decision.
McCaw says he believes there should be some type of boycott against Chick-fil-A, but since the franchise is not refusing to serve those who are gay he'd like groups to target the company in a different way.
"I think we need to make sure our message goes forward, but it goes forward with dignity, respect, and class," explained McCaw. "The action of Chick-fil-A doesn't warrant us to harm their business directly in anyway. We simply take our resources move them elsewhere to other restaurants that do not particularly give money to hate groups."
To counter the demonstration, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee declared Wednesday a Chick-fil-A appreciation day.
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