Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day draws supporters, protesters
Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy’s recent statements about gay marriage have caused a stir in cities across the nation. (Originally published in the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)
As the debate about same-sex marriage rages on, Lubbock residents came out in numbers on "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day" in support and protest of the Atlanta-based restaurant chain.
Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy's recent statements about gay marriage have caused a stir in cities across the nation, however at least two Lubbock Chick-fil-A locations were packed at noon Wednesday with drive-thru lines wrapping around the building.
Protesters were also out in numbers outside the Chick-fil-A on Slide Road.
Same-sex marriage supporter Lisa Gonzalez said the protests against the restaurant are not about trying to silence Dan Cathy or his opinion.
"The biggest message that we really want to get out there to them is that it's not about, you know, protesting his freedom of speech or protesting his right to believe in what he wants to believe in," Gonzalez said. "It's the simple fact that we're not going to continue to give our money to an organization that donates to anti-gay organizations and hateful organizations."
Sisters Meagan Ramos, who is a member of the U.S. Army and gay, and Denise Ramos, who is straight, were among the supporters standing outside of Chick-fil-A Wednesday afternoon.
Meagan Ramos said for her, it was bigger than just boycotting Chick-fil-A.
"It's not right for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) troops to go over and fight for their country and be denied their rights when they get back," Meagan Ramos said. Bystanders commented about the repeal of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy on homosexuality.
Ashley Blair brought the protestors lunch when she saw them standing outside on her way back to work.
"I just want to support them in what they're doing. I almost brought them KFC chicken to be spiteful," Blair said laughing.
Faith Temple Church also made their position known by not only visiting Chick-fil-A on Wednesday, but buying 100 sandwiches and giving them away free of charge at the church.
Carolyn Oliphint, the first lady of Faith Temple, said the gesture was not only about supporting Chick-fil-A, but standing up for what they believe as Christians and Americans.
"We're not a big church and we just take up our little spot," Oliphint said, "but we're just trying to make a difference too and I don't know if we'll get backlash or not, but that's ok. They have a right to their opinion and that's what it's all about."
Oliphint said although the church does not support same-sex marriage, anyone is welcomed at Faith Temple.
"If they've got tongue rings or things in their head, people are welcome in church," Oliphint said. "If any place is a sanctuary, it should be the house of God."
PFLAG - Parents, Families and Friends of Gays and Lesbians - member Grace Rogers said she recently made the decision not to eat at Chick-fil-A, but is willing to talk about the situation after an encounter with franchise operator Tim Odom at the Chick-fil-A on University Ave.
"I sent a coupon I received in the mail back to the new Chick-fil-A at Raider Park," Rogers said, "and I just sent it back saying my husband and I didn't want to eat at Chick-fil-A."
However, Rogers said she was pleasantly surprised when she received a letter back from the operator at that location personally inviting her and her husband to eat at Chick-fil-A.
"He was inviting us to come and told us that gays are welcome at Chick-fil-A," Rogers said. "It was a whole different point of view and although I personally made the decision not to eat at Chick-fil-A, there is a middle ground and I'm open to having dialogue with him."
Rogers said that with all issues, she believes there is always some sort of middle ground.
"I myself had reached one decision," Rogers said, "but because of this young man's reaching back to me and caring enough to send a full page letter and send additional coupons, I'm going to reach back out to him."
Rogers said she believes that if people will take the chance to listen to each other, some of the nation's issues could be worked out.
"I think what's happening in this country," Rogers said. "We're not listening to one another and when we listen, there is acceptance."