American fast food chain Chick-fil-A plans to open shop in Toronto next year
Canadians have said they’re prepared to boycott homophobic fast food chain Chick-fil-A’s first Toronto location.
On 25 July, Chick-fil-A announced they plan to open their first international location in Toronto within the next year.
Background
Chick-fil-A, which has been an American restaurant chain for over 50 years, has drawn criticism for its anti-LGBTI stance.
In June 2012, the chain’s president and COO Dan Cathy said, ‘I think we are inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at Him and say, “We know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage”. I pray God’s mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude to think that we have the audacity to define what marriage is about.’
The following month, he doubled down.
‘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. We want to do anything we possibly can to strengthen families. We are very much committed to that.’
‘We intend to stay the course. We know that it might not be popular with everyone, but thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles.’
Social media outcry
Now, Canadians are taking to social media with the hashtag #BoycottChickFilA to express their solidarity with the LGBTI community.
Canada doesn’t want your hate. I will never support your business. Don’t bother coming; you aren’t welcome here. #BoycottChickFilA
— Alison Gothard-Huang (@armedwithjello) July 29, 2018
#boycottchickfila Well it’s a free country. However don’t expect my 🍁$’s. I’ll be telling my friends too not to bother with your brand. I hope your brand finds it hard to make roots in Canada and sticks to a the USA.
— Paul 🇬🇧 + 🇨🇦🍁 (@pldilley) July 29, 2018
#boycottchickfila Here in Canada 🇨🇦🇨🇦 we are progressive country and fight for equal rights for all
— kesnel Magloire (@mkesnel) July 29, 2018
Just a friendly Canadian reminder that we are a progressive country and have morals and fight for equal rights for all. We don’t want your bigoted and discriminatory business opening anywhere north of the border. #BoycottChickFilA
— Chris Lotts (@chrislotts1) July 26, 2018
That’s unfortunate. You’re not welcome here. I know your homophobic history and your bankrolling of political candidates who promote anti-LGBT discrimination. That bigotry has no place in Canada. I will be boycotting you and encouraging others to do the same. #BoycottChickFilA
— Wayne Leung (@wayleu) July 25, 2018
Chick-fil-A openly discriminates against the LGBT community. They have no business in a progressive and multicultural city like Toronto. They won’t be getting my business. #BoycottChickFilA https://t.co/1wzAlKttVR
— Picard🏳️🌈🇨🇦 (@Picard_M_Maker) July 25, 2018
Chic fil a is proudly anti-lgbtq soooo no thank you. I’ll be spending my money elsewhere #boycottchickfila
— Melissa Innes (@melnnes) July 27, 2018
#boycottchickfila You are not welcomed here in Canada. Stay out.
— Fran (@nanook660) July 26, 2018
A company so blatantly opposed to LGBTQ rights should be prohibited from investing and operating in Canada. The Canadian Charter and human rights laws mean such a business cannot be tolerated in this country. #boycottchickfila https://t.co/ygPdItKFpo
— Tom Robson (@tom1robson) July 27, 2018
More US intolerance? No thanks. #boycottchickfila
— The View Up Here (@view_up_here) July 26, 2018
#boycottchickfila I will not support a company that is so openly homophobic. Never eating here!
— Otus Pare (@OtusPare) July 26, 2018
Great. Chick-fil-a is coming to Canada, their first store opening in Toronto in 2019…. Bringing the homophobia to my country now, are you? Keep it in the States. No one wants you here, unless they are homophobic themselves. #boycottchickfila
— Reagan 🌈🌈 (@DaltkenzieSass) July 28, 2018
Toronto has tons of great chicken places already, and none of them are run by homophobes. Support those places instead #BoycottChickFilA
— Sam Burkiss (@sampurkiss) July 26, 2018
The opposition’s stance
However, in response to the backlash, some Chick-fil-A lovers are defending the chain’s right to come to Canada.
I am disappointed with the #boycottchickfila trend. They are simply stating their beliefs as is their right. Not once have I read a story where they have banned anyone for their orientation.
— Chris Tiller (@tilla_da_killa) July 28, 2018
#BoycottChickFilA LGBT COMMUNITY – Please give examples of CHICK-FIL-A EVER discriminating against anyone who is gay, or any of the other “letters” you people use!
— WAYNE JACKSON (@WAYNEJA90148147) July 28, 2018
#BoycottChickFilA GREAT ATMOSPHERE, FRIENDLY STAFF, AND GREAT FOOD. I WILL EAT AT CHICKFILA ANY DAY. IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO EAT THERE DO NOT BOTHER GOING.
— Don (@doncolejr1) July 28, 2018
#BoycottChickFilA What a bunch of lunatics. Always wanting to boycott something. Chickfila is a good Christian owned company. My gosh it’s always something.
— Luckimom (@luckimom3) July 28, 2018
#Boycottchickfila Saddened to see there is no tolerance or freedom of religion in Canada. Y’all are nuts!! Now…if I can just get to Chick-Fil- A before the line’s too long…
— Janet (@gardngurl) July 28, 2018
People want to #boycottchickfila just because they are against gay marriage? You pussies!!! You are missing out on some great food.
— DeplorablePhillySportsFanatic 🇺🇸🦅🚓 (@Wentzadelphia11) July 29, 2018
ChickFilA…WE SUPPORT YOU!!! LGBTMOUSE, If you don’t believe in God, then why are you opposing ChickFilA? Your actions alone show in your heart, you actually do recognize God and your sin! Cannot have it both ways. #BoycottChickFilA
— Ann Lackey (@AnnLackey4) July 28, 2018
I’m not a fan of chicken sandwiches but will eat there a lot more knowing it’s upsetting all the liberals in #Canada #BoycottChickFilA #ChickfilA #LiberalismIsAMentalDisorder
— An Italian (@Be_Italian_) July 28, 2018
Looking forward to your Canadian expansion. Ignore the morons at #boycottchickfila
— Vox Cantoris (@VoxCantoris) July 28, 2018
Everyone who intends to #BoycottChickFilA have every right to do so. Voting with your dollar makes a powerful statement, but @ChickfilA also has every right to their beliefs.
— Michael Mansker (@MichaelMansker) July 28, 2018
The #boycottchickfila movement is a perfect example of bigotry and intolerance.
— Grumpy Badger (@BadgerGrumpy) July 28, 2018
Nothing like a band of LBGT……whatever protesting a business to insure it’s success. Did you a**holes not see what happened in the US when you protested Chick Fil A there? #BoycottChickFilA
— Radical (@SelfMadeproud) July 28, 2018
It’s amazing how many people tweet #BoycottChickFilA but every time I drive by a @ChickfilA the parking lot, drive thru and buildings are full of customers. No.1 w/ unsweet tea please! 😍
— 20below0 (@20belowzer0) July 28, 2018
