A random survey shows that 77 per­cent of Methacton students said they eat at Chick-fil-A, a franchise that has been labeled anti-gay by some. In the same poll, 50 percent said they would not eat at a restaurant that supported anti-gay programs.

Some MHS clubs have held fundrais­ers through the popular chain restau­rant.

The controversy that brought this is­sue to light involved the Pennsylvania Family Institute, a religious group fo­cused on helping married couples stay together and on maintaining strong families. Chick-fil-A sponsored the event by donating lunch.

That donation was called into ques­tion after PFI President Michael Greer openly stated an opposition to homo­sexuality, calling it immoral.

According to an article on news. change.org, a higher up in WinShape, Chick-fil-A’s foundation that promotes healthy lifestyles for Christian youths and married couples, praised the ef­forts of David Blakenhorn, an anti-gay rights activist, for spreading a message to America on why gay mar­riage should be unlawful.

Chick-fil-A also donated $12,500 to Focus on the Family, an organization dubbed anti-gay by the Southern Pov­erty Law Center because of remarks made by founder James Dobson.

Dobson is known for his essay in which he attacks homosexuality: ‘Moms and Dads, are you listening? This movement is the greatest threat to your children. It is of particular danger to your wide-eyed boys, who have no idea what demoralization is planned for them.’

He further likened homosexual be­havior to pedophilia and to ‘those who sexually prefer animals.’

In response to allegations against Chick-fil-A in light of these events and statements, Don Cathy, current owner of Chick-fil-A, stated, ‘We’re not anti-anybody, our mission is to create rav­ing fans.’

In another interview, Cathy said his religion provides direction for his life­style.

‘While my family and I believe in the Biblical definition of marriage, we love and respect anyone who disagrees.’

Don Cathy could not be reached di­rectly for comment. However, a Chick-fil-A representative, defended the company. She said Chick-fil-A has been serving people for 65 years with­out discrimination, always providing a hospitable environment for anyone within the establishment.

‘We are not anti-gay; we are not anti-anybody,’ she said a number of times.

In 2009, the popular restaurant, vot­ed the third most beloved restaurant chain in a poll run by Market Force, donated $994,199 to the Marriage and Family Legacy Fund, a religious orga­nization focused on promoting mar­riage. They held ‘summits’ for mar­riage groups in 2003 and 2004 and aligned this effort with WinShape, a charitable organization created by Truett Cathy, the creator of the res­taurant chain, in 1984.

The Chick-fil-A representative said the company looks to improve the quality of people’s lives in other ways as well.

‘We also donate to a number of chari­ties not related to marriage,’ she said.

WinShape also funds a college program, wilderness camps, homes for children
with unfit families, and an international program in seven countries. Furthermore, the organization helps people across the country and around the world with business development and creating leaders.