Chick-fil-A sparks political firestorm - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Chick-fil-A sparks political firestorm

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Chick-fil-A, known for its fried chicken sandwiches, is now the center of a political controversy over the issue of same-sex marriage, which the company's CEO opposes. The Atlanta-based company is also known for its Christian values. Its stores remain closed on Sundays as part of its mission.

In an interview with the Baptist Press, CEO Dan Cathy defended the company's support of the traditional family.

"Well, guilty as charged," Cathy said. "We are very much supportive of the family -- the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that."

Now Boston Mayor Thomas Menino is ruffling some feathers with his vow to block Chick-fil-A from building there. The fast food chain had reportedly been looking to build near the Freedom Trail. Menino said he doesn't want it there, because of the CEO's views against gay marriage.

In the meantime, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel said he supports a local alderman's desire to prevent Chick-fil-A from expanding in the Windy City.

Most of the chain's 1,600 locations are in the Bible Belt. But it does have 22 restaurants in New Jersey and one licensed location at NYU.

So what would happen if the chain decided to open full-fledged restaurants in New York City? Fox 5 asked the mayor's office for comment.

"Mayor Bloomberg believes that government shouldn't treat people differently based on who they love, which is why he lobbied so aggressively for marriage equality," said a spokesman for the mayor. "Similarly, he believes that government shouldn't treat businesses differently based on their owners' personal political views."

Chick-fil-A said that it does not discriminate against any of its customers and that its restaurants "treat every person with honor, dignity and respect – regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender."

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