Chick-fil-A, rights and speaking your mind

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August 2, 2012

Chick-fil-A, rights and speaking your mind

The Cullman Times The Cullman Times Thu Aug 02, 2012, 09:24 AM CDT

CULLMAN — A Chick-fil-A executive has ignited a national showdown over comments that he supports the biblical definition of family.

In an interview with Baptist Press, the restaurant chain president, Dan Cathy, said the Atlanta-based company was “guilty as charged” for backing the idea that men should marry women. If you need a clearer understanding, Cathy does not support same-sex marriages.

The topic has been in the news quite a bit over the last few years. States have held referendums on the matter. Courts have become involved. The president of the United States is speaking out.

No matter where you stand on the issue of marriage, a long-standing institution that gets specific mention in the Bible, Mr. Cathy didn’t say anything that a lot of Americans wouldn’t say. And, of course, others are deeply opposed to limiting marriage to a man and a woman.

Chick-fil-A enjoyed an outpouring of support in Cullman on Wednesday. Hundreds flocked to the restaurant and waited for a long time to enjoy a chicken sandwich. Business was good.

Gay rights advocates are planning a national same-sex day of kissing Friday in response to the Chick-fil-A position on marriage. The turnout is unpredictable at this time, but the counterpoint will be made.

Looking ahead, it is doubtful that anyone will have their views changed by today’s or Friday’s turnout. In fact, the entire matter has blown up into something larger than it deserves. Mr. Cathy spoke his mind, his conviction. He has that right. Opponents of his view have the right to speak, too.

But no matter what was said and will be said, no one has suffered harm. It’s America. We speak our minds and start to argue.

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