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Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day Attracts Hundreds as Protests Continue

by KREX News Room
by Courtney Griffin

Story Created: Aug 1, 2012 at 6:50 PM MDT

Story Updated: Aug 2, 2012 at 2:17 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- A place where people typically go to get waffle fries, sweet lemonade and chicken has turned into a controversial spot.

Dan Cathy, CEO of Chick-fil-A, recently said, "We are very much supportive of the family, the biblical definition of the family. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business and we are married to our first wives. We want to do anything we possibly can to strengthen families."

Many people waiting in line Wednesday said they don't view this as an anti-gay statement, but instead a pro-family statement. "I think he has a right for it, and we should show that we support him and show him that he is correct in his decision making," said Levi Brannam, an Olathe resident who visited Grand Junction just to get Chick-fil-A Wednesday.

Many people were at the restaurant to support freedom of speech. They were also there to stand behind Cathy and his Christian values. "I believe in the Christian principles that the owner and CEO of Chick-fil-A does, and the Bible says said Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve," said a customer.

Grand Junction police controlled traffic as people stood outside or waited in their cars for up to an hour to show their support. "He did not say anything negative, nasty or rude, and people are starting rumors that he did, and he did not," said Tillie Fitzsimmons.

A protester with a group called Women Helping Other Women said Cathy's statement impedes Americans' freedom. "The younger generation needs to step in and needs to say we're not Okay with intolerance, we're not okay with hindering Americans' rights. I think that getting more youth involved is really my big goal," said Selina Najar.

Still, scores of Chick-fil-A supporters say they hope their actions Wednesday send a positive message. "We're happy to be here and we hope that everything goes good for Chick-fil-A," said Fitzsimmons.

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Anonymous said on Thursday, Aug 2 at 11:51 PM

Why is it that I am considered the bigot for agreeing with Chick-Fil-A and not those that disagree? What makes them right and me wrong?

Old Snipe said on Thursday, Aug 2 at 5:15 PM

This is not about anti gay statements or support for gay statements. This is about respecting our rights under the 1st amendment of our constitution and not criticizing someone just because they have a different opinion than yours, in this case I agree with Chick-Fil-A so I took my family there and spent close to $50.

Aura girl said on Thursday, Aug 2 at 10:09 AM

Mr. and Mrs. Grand Junction at it again. Repress, repress, repress! I can not believe this micro-City has it's head some where it shouldn't be still! We have a major University here! We have liberals here, we have people in relationships that want to love each other! Isn't that what being Godly is about? LOVE!!!

shawn said on Thursday, Aug 2 at 7:26 AM

You religion is false created by the con artists for the fools. Jesus never existed. I believe in the good in people and family, but you can keep your false religion. I believe in true equality

Easy solution said on Wednesday, Aug 1 at 11:32 PM

If you don’t like Chick Fil-A, then go to McDonald’s

Melody said on Wednesday, Aug 1 at 11:17 PM

NOT ME!! I believe ALL people are equal, and should have the same rights (to marriage or whatever), as long as they do no harm to others. How can one person's rights be more important than the next??? So there is a superior group, based on their religious beliefs? NOT COOL, and I do NOT believe Jesus would think so, either. It does NOT affect me if Gay Couples marry....

Mr. Epic said on Wednesday, Aug 1 at 10:41 PM

@M Dean: so you actually counted the "thousands" of people that were there, yourself, eh? Wow, you must have had a lot of time on your hands. Sheesh.

M Dean said on Wednesday, Aug 1 at 8:33 PM

Hundreds? Give me a break on any normal day there are hundreds of people at Chick Fil-A. How about some honesty in your reporting there were thousands at Chick Fil-A today.

Paula said on Wednesday, Aug 1 at 7:54 PM

Christian Principals? Don't know how many high school principals were protesting. And the GJ Police were "forced" to control traffic. KREX, have your newswriters and proofers passed a basic English writing class or journalism class?

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